Matthew Robert Fauss

Matthew Robert Fauss, 59, of Woodlawn, IL, passed away at 8:32 am December 2, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, after a hard battle with brain cancer. He was born October 13, 1966 in Rockford, IL to Victor "Vic" Charles Fauss and Jeanne Marie (Swearingen) Fauss. Matthew married Joyce Gwendolyn (Garbe) Fauss on May 2, 1992 in Dieterich, IL.
Matt grew up embracing the joys of outdoor life on Lake Sara, where he spent his childhood swimming, fishing, boating, and creating lifelong memories with friends. He was a devoted family man, marrying his beloved wife, Joyce, and together they raised four sons: Taylor, Trevor, Ethan, and Eli. Matt was a pillar of support and love for his family, serving as an exemplary role model who made fatherhood and family life seem effortless.
He had a passion for the outdoors and hands-on projects. He loved fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, water and snow skiing, as well as tinkering and building special projects for the yard, home, and his wife. He spent time exploring the United States on memorable family vacations. From ski trips and boat outings to cross-country drives visiting national parks, he cherished these adventures with loved ones.
Professionally, Matt was a dedicated civil engineer and served as the Director of Public Works for the City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois where he oversaw Streets, Water and Sewer, and Parks Departments. His leadership and commitment positively transformed the community, contributing to its growth, cleanliness, and infrastructure over the past 20 years. He was deeply respected by his colleagues, assistants, and the workers he managed, and his impact on Mt. Vernon will be felt for years to come. He previously worked as a Geotechnical/Environmental Engineer at Woodward Clyde Consultants in Milwaukee, WI; Project Engineer at Rapps Engineering, Mt. Vernon, IL; Civil Engineer at Round Table Design, Mt. Vernon, IL, and Assistant City Engineer for the City of Mt. Vernon, IL. He loved his job and coworkers.
In addition to his wife and sons, Matt is survived by his parents, Vic and Jeanne Fauss; his brother, Stephen Fauss; and his sister, Heather Hoene.
He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents Robert and Eileen Swearingen and Paternal Grandparents Charles and Ardell Fauss.
Matt will be remembered for his unwavering love for his wife, kids, and grandson, his positive spirit, and the profound legacy he leaves behind in his family and community.
A Visitation will be held Friday, December 5, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, IL. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, IL with Pastor Joseph Nehring officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made toward the development of a community outdoor project in Mt. Vernon, IL, a cause that reflects Matt's love for nature and his commitment to creating spaces where families can gather and children can flourish. Please make checks payable to Joyce Fauss, or see memorial donations below.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.