PEORIA HEIGHTS - Matthew Paul Gusler, 55, of East Duryea Street, Peoria Heights, passed away at 5:36 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1956, in Peoria to William and Irene (Frye) Gusler.
They preceded him in death along with one nephew, Gabe Gusler.
He is survived by his daughter, Megan; grandson, Levi; one brother, David (Jeannie) Gusler of Peoria; two sisters, Nona (Steve) Kelley of Edelstein and Lisa (Albert) Hitesman of Peoria Heights; nieces and nephews, Dana, Sam, Katie, Shane, Joel, Danny, Ben, Abe, Kristina and Rona; great-nephews, Connor, Banner, Ryan, A.J.; and great-nieces, Gracie and Jadelyn.
Matthew last worked for Midwest Marketing Distributors of Peoria and also worked as a bartender at St. Ann's Bowling Alley for the Mother's Club League.
He was of the Catholic faith.
He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed good times and making people laugh. He loved music and playing the guitar. His favorite guitarists were Jeff Beck, Duane Allman and Bill Nelson.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Service. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the celebration. Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.
Online condolences may be made at www.mem.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jennifer Russell
March 24, 2013
I hope beyond hope that you can see Banner now. He is hilarious. Rocking out all the time with his guitars. You would laugh so hard, he gets so into it. I'm sure the conversations you and Banner would have would be wonderfully funny. He looks like his father more everyday which means he looks like you. Miss you tons Uncle Matt and so do the boys. Banner says goodnight to you everyday he is with me. Love you n miss you more than words can say!
Spud Dan Gusler
December 25, 2012
Most of my favorite xmas memories are from you. I remember you telling me for weeks you had "the best stocking stuffer." Then racing to my stocking to find the Jurassic Park video you had stuffed in there for me, a movie which you had taken me to see in theaters. My favorite stereo all thru junior high and high school came from you on xmas. I'll never forget the xmas you just simply told me to look outside, where I found my new bike decorated with a giftbow on the handlebars. Thank you for the great memories. I love you, and miss you so much. Merry xmas
Jennifer Russell
October 28, 2012
I love you and miss you eveyday Uncle Matthew! Wish you were here to see the boys grow up. You would be so proud of them! Banner is a Gusler more n more everyday. :) He is very much dannys lil spud like he was yours. Miss you lots!
October 26, 2012
Thank you for the kind words Vickie.
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Lisa
October 26, 2012
Sending my love on your birthday. Sure wish you were here to celebrate with me!!!! I love you & miss you!
Vickie Flanagan
October 24, 2012
Lisa, I was very sorry to hear about Matt passing. He will truly be missed by all. Matt was a very talented person, a great artist and guitar player. He was a very funny person, always smiling and making people laugh. I still remember the great times bowling at St. Boniface during Christmas time. My prayers got out to you and your family.
Lisa
April 30, 2012
Thanks to all for your kind words. He was one of a kind.
Lisa Hitesman
March 29, 2012
I miss you Matthew soooooooooo much!!!!!
Mary Sales
January 25, 2012
Matt is truly missed I miss his intoxicating smile, his sense of humor, he made me laugh so hard, he was so talented i knew how well he played guitar and how he could draw but when i saw the pictures from his service i was truly amazed. He will live in my memories forever , and I know we will see each other again, but until then I will have my special memories always goodbye my sweet prince, who loves you honey , we all do save me a place so you can keep me entertained as you always have. Bowling will never be the same but you would be so proud of Ben and Al they are doing a great job!!!!!
Frederick Strassburger
January 15, 2012
Matt was a classmate of mine at St. Boniface. He was always a character and so full of life. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm in Wisconsin now and my Mom recognized his name in the paper and remembered that he was in my class.
Pookie Elder Decker
January 14, 2012
I'm sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with the family! God Bless!
Sabrina Brandt
January 14, 2012
my thoughts @ prayers are with you. I went to st. boniface with Matt. He was a character--always happy. GOD BLESS
Carol Wagley
January 12, 2012
I am ao sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed hanging out with Matthew @ Lisa & Al's. It was great to get to know him @ least a little. Be blessed.
Cheryl Bryant
January 12, 2012
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Matthew and his prior illness. I am keeping his family in my prayers. Take comfort in knowing that he loved you and if you keep him in your heart, his spirit will always be with you. God bless you.
Linda Pullen
January 12, 2012
Dear Lisa, Nona, David, Megan, Levi & Family, On behalf of the Cottage ICU Staff, I'd like to offer our condolences on your loss. The whole time that Matthew was in our unit, he did not appear to suffer. We all worked hard to try to help him to get well and to return home. We said many prayers daily for him and your family as we took care of him. When we knew that he couldn't recover, we tried to help him to die with the dignity that he deserved. We would have enjoyed knowing him better. We will continue to hold you and Matthew up in prayer as you go through this difficult time. I know that Megan and Levi will especially miss him, but you have many fine memories to lessen the pain. Sincerely, Linda Pullen, R.N.
Marcella James
January 12, 2012
So sorry to hear about Matt's passing-he was a great guy and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Barb Begner
January 12, 2012
To the family of Matt...I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort with the wonderful memories you share as a family.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Funeral services provided by:
Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Service1625 W Candletree Drive Suite D, Peoria, IL 61614

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