Matthew Michael Kunkle

1970 - 2024

Matthew Michael Kunkle passed away at the age of 54, on August 8, 2024, after battling the challenges of an unexpected medical condition. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 11 A.M. Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom, Wednesday August 14, 2024, from 4 to 7 P.M. Matt was born to Harold Kunkle and Connie Leahy (Gabbard) on July 8, 1970, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1989 and attended the University of Northern Iowa. In 1995, he married Nicole (Hayes) Mahan, the mother of his beautiful daughters, Britney, Morgan, and Gabrielle Kunkle. In 2008, Matt married his best friend, the love of his life, Amy Sue (Riechmann) Reece, and gained 2 more daughters, Ashlee Kendall (Reece) and Skye Reece. Matt had a distinguished career in public service in both Fire and EMS. He joined the Cedar Rapids Fire Department in 1996, served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, and ended his 28-year career as a Captain and Critical Care Paramedic; he was a member of the Iowa Professional Firefighters Union, Local 11. Throughout his life, Matt was a dedicated Paramedic in Cedar Falls (Sartori), Waverly, Cedar Rapids (Area Ambulance), Monticello and a few more, but took the greatest joy and pride in helping those in his hometown of Cedar Falls. Matt was an anchor, a devoted husband, a loving and protective father and grandpa, and his family was the center of his world. He had a passion for all animals, and of course, his mustangs. He lived to plan the next adventure with Amy and the girls; hiking, kayaking, exploring the National Parks, and simply being present in God's creation with those he so fiercely loved. Matt adored his grandkids, Allen and Hazel Kendall. Allen was Grandpa's little buddy, and they both were his pride and gave him great joy. Matt is survived by his loving wife, Amy Sue Kunkle of Anamosa, the children he adored, Britney Kunkle (Cedar Rapids), Morgan Kunkle (Mt. Vernon), Ashlee (Dave) Kendall (Cedar Rapids), Skye Reece (Anamosa), grandchildren, Allen & Hazel, his parents, Harold and Lillian Kunkle, Connie and Ken Leahy, step-siblings Greg, Mike, and Lori Leahy, brothers in-law Mike Riechmann and Jon Formanek, sisters-in-law Angie Maiers and Michele Formanek, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents who he loved beyond measure, Gene and Betty Gabbard, Bert and Geraldine Kunkle, his baby daughter, Gabrielle Arlene Kunkle, cousin, Tamara Perkins, and uncle Bob Kunkle. May God send His Holy Spirit to give comfort and peace to all who knew and loved Matt during this unimaginable time of sorrow, and remind us of the grace offered to those who trust in the Lord and call on the name of Jesus Christ. Rest Easy Matt, We will take it from here. Online condolences may be directed to Matt's family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.