Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Matthew Kunkle Obituary
Matthew Michael Kunkle
July 8, 1970- August 8, 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Kunkle
3 Entries
Bill Hanlon
August 13, 2024
Amy I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss.
Matt was an incredible guy. I always enjoyed working with him at Station 9. I loved his stories.
Kae Johnson
August 11, 2024
To Matthew's family, I apologize. I meant to say his passing, not his passion
Kae Johnson
August 11, 2024
To Matthew's family, I'm also a Cedar Falls High School graduate. That's how I became aware of his passion. Thanks to him for his dedicated service to people through his firefighter & paramedic career! I also love animals, so I can see his kindness in this love. I'm so sorry he was so young when he passed. Take care.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Kunkle's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Kunkle
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Kunkle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
