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Matthew Kehl

1986 - 2011

Matthew Kehl obituary, 1986-2011, Wausau, WI

BORN

1986

DIED

2011

Matthew Kehl Obituary

Matt was born Oct. 13th, 1986, the son of Steve and Kathy (Bowden) Kehl. He grew up in the Wausau area and graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 2005. Matt developed a great interest for gaming and computers, which was reflected in his participation in the D.C. Everest gaming club. Education was important to him. He was active in Upward Bound, a UW-Stevens Point program that prepped high school students for college. He volunteered for an oral history project, documenting and recording stories of veterans.

As a student at UW-Green Bay, he pursued a double major in computer science and human development, and graduated in 2009. While attending school in Green Bay, he was a member of SUFAC, which administers funds to school groups. He was involved in the gaming communities in Wausau and Green Bay. D.C. Everest's annual gaming convention, Evercon 2012, will be in his honor. He enjoyed science fiction books, television shows, and movies. His interests were many and included magic cards, the Muppets, and researching artificial intelligence.

In 2010, Matt was employed by UnitedHealth Group of Wausau as a report coordinator. He was in the process of purchasing a home in Wausau.

Most important to Matt were his friends and family. He held his relationships in high regard and took great pleasure in seeing those around him happy. Matt had many special friends because he himself was a special friend, a dedicated and caring individual.

His childhood was filled with memories of family vacations to the Grand Canyon and Disney World, to name two. Perhaps one can say he developed his subtle sense of humor and whimsical attitude during the trips, bantering back and forth with his dad.

Matt's parents are proud of the accomplishments he achieved during his short life, but more importantly, they are extremely proud of who he was as a son, brother, grandson, boyfriend, friend, and overall person. His memory and spirit will live on in the minds and hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Matthew Bowden Kehl, died in a traffic accident on Sunday, Oct. 16th, 2011, at the age of 25.

He will be fondly remembered by his mother and father, Kathy and Steve Kehl, Plainfield; sister, Jenny Kehl, Oshkosh; maternal grandparents, Marge and Dwight Bowden, Almond; uncle and aunt, Ron and Mikki Bowden, Almond; cousins, Jordy and Sami Bowden, Almond; and Jeremiah (Alysson) Bowden and their son, Gabe, Riverside, Calif.; loving girlfriend, Sophie Nelson, Kenosha; and countless other friends and family members.

A celebration of Matt's life will be held at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 25th, at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. The family will receive guests Monday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home; and again on Tuesday at the funeral home, beginning at 11 a.m. until the service. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Green Bay Press-Gazette on Oct. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Kehl

Not sure what to say?





Erin Wojcik

November 19, 2011

Its been just over a month now and the bitter is starting to mix with the sweet.

Jennifer Kehl

October 28, 2011

Thank you all for your support, and for signing this guest book. Keep your friends near to you in this time to help you through.

Paul,Patty Ryan

October 28, 2011

I sent a card but decided to sign the book too. May God send the comforter to help ya'll through this time of sadness

Kat and Ron Yohe

October 27, 2011

Praying for your comfort in this tragic time in your lives. Words cannot express the sadness I feel with the lost of such a young and enthusiastic person such as Matt. I am however, very privileged to have been apart of your sons life. Even if only once upon a time. Thank you for raising such a wonderful person that touched so many lives. He will be forever missed.

Denise Lazzell(Spritka)

October 25, 2011

Steve, Kathy and family,
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers, May God help you through the rough times and don't ever forget the wonderful memories. Denise Lazzell(Spritka)

carol mirek

October 25, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Peggy Williams

October 25, 2011

My deepest prayers with the family at this difficult time. May God be with you. Peggy Williams, UWGB

Alice Billing

October 24, 2011

Matt's presence as a SUFAC officer at UWGB, in 2009, profoundly and positively influenced funding approval for my thesis project; the greenroof implementation over the IS building.
Without his help, the research would not have proceeded, and I would not have my master's degree. Matt was a pleasure to work with in every encounter; positive, solution oriented, cleaver, resourceful, and just generally good natured.
I am devastated for your loss!
Please find some comfort in knowing how well regarded Matt was by everyone who worked with him!
He will be sorely missed by all of us.

Appy Bhattacharya

October 24, 2011

Matthew, simply a good man of integrity - sincere, honest, utterly reliable and helpful and a wonderful role model for the entire Green Bay community. May your spirit rest in peace. My deepest prayers stand with you and your entire family and loved ones. I will always remember you with fondness in my memories.

Lisa Thetreau

October 24, 2011

I was first introduced to Matt in 2007 when I became the president of a student organization at UW-Green Bay. From the very first moment I met him, I could tell Matt was very compassionate, understanding, and was a very strong pillar of support to the org leaders here on campus. He was very knowledgeable and he taught me everything I needed to know as an org leader. I cannot believe he was taken so soon, but am glad to say that he will continue teaching me for a long time to come; he will be an everlasting reminder for me to never take what I am given for granted. Life is short, and every day we are given is a blessing. My heart and prayers will be with Kathy, Steve, Sophie, and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy in the coming weeks.

Laura Steckbauer-Keplin

October 24, 2011

I know you will all miss this young man. He sounds like he was an amazing person. My heart goes out to Kathy and Steve and all your families.

October 23, 2011

Tom and I are sorry for you loss

Alysson Bowden

October 21, 2011

We have lost one of the most sincere, caring, and positive individuals I have ever encountered. The only way I can possibly make sense of this tragedy is that God needed some more "good guys" to look over us all. Matt was a true delight to be around and my heart aches knowing we will no longer be able to share a laugh. You are greatly missed, Matt, and will hold a special place in our hearts for all time.

Patti Soik

October 21, 2011

I didn't even know your son, but reading this it sounds like we lost an outstanding young man....so sorry for your loss.

Kevin Dunn

October 21, 2011

Matt was a good friend, a genuine good person and helpful to a fault. Even in competition he was always assisting his opponents. The gaming table will be quieter now without his laughter.

October 21, 2011

The world lost a great, intelligent being. Matt's attributes were many and all of us will miss him dearly. Great Aunt Mildred Owen, Racine, WI

Sandy Hagenbucher

October 21, 2011

Matt was a very important person in my son's life. He mentored him and was his friend. I am so sorry that he is gone, but so thankful he was in my son's life for the last 7 years. Prayers are with his family.

Sandy Hagenbucher

Bernadette Gaffey Allen

October 21, 2011

Dear Kathy & Steve, I am so sorry for your loss. What a handsome & talented young man. My prayer is that God would bless your family with peace and understanding at this time.

Kathy S

October 21, 2011

I don't know the family, but I am so saddened by your lost. What a BEAUTIFUL, WELL-written memory! God bless you!!

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