OBITUARY: Matthew A. Gehl

Matthew A. Gehl., Age 77, of Hilbert, passed away on Monday, December 27 at ThedaCare Regional Hospital, Appleton. Matt was born November 27, 1944, son of the late Cyril and Rose (Gilsdorf) Gehl. Matt was previously married in 1972 and had six children. On December 16, 2006, he was married to the love of his life, Candy Boesch, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hilbert.

Being the youngest of 9 children, Matt learned early on that faith in God, hard work, and dedication to family would prove a fruitful life. His hard work showed during his 42 years as a Foreman and Local 139 Operator for Lunda Construction. He took great pride in his work and shared stories of the many bridges he built throughout Wisconsin.

After his retirement in 2006, Matt was able to get back to the simpler life that his parents taught him as a young boy and he shared those things with Candy. He had a love of the outdoors, which showed in everything he did - from his award-winning apples, tomatoes, and honey to stories of the buck he was pursuing and becoming part of the 100lb Club with his multiple trophy sturgeon. Matt was a fantastic cook and kept his freezer and pantry well-stocked all winter long with the fruits of his garden, orchard, and hunting season. When the gardens allowed, he and Candy enjoyed visiting with friends in Manitowish Waters at their vacation home.

Matt is survived by his wife, Candy, and his six children; Andrew (Connie) Gehl, Nathan (fiance Michelle Jilk) Gehl, Matthew (Samantha) Gehl, Joshua (Nikki) Gehl, Angela (Tom) Breunig, and Clinton (Candace) Gehl, 14 Grandchildren, Jacob, Maria, and Jared Gehl; Hadley, Emerson, and Hazel Gehl; Asher and Rhett Gehl; Florian and Ensley Breunig; Carter, Coen, Colton and Stella Gehl; brothers, Paul (Carol) Gehl, Mark (Kathy) Gehl, a sister, Barbara (John) Komoroske, brothers and sisters-in-law; Nona Gehl, Gary (LoAnn) Boesch, Sherrie (Ken) Schaefer, Sandy Schnuell, Randy (Kathy) Boesch, Terry (Sara) Boesch, Barb (Paul) Price, Ken Boesch, Karen (Brad) Hernke.

Matt was preceded in death and has joined his parents Cyril and Rose Gehl, brothers and sister-in-laws, Cyril Gehl Jr., Neil Gehl, Jack (Ruth) Gehl, Luke (Louise) Gehl, sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette (Ernie) Dingeldein, parents-in-laws Carl and Donna Boesch, brother- in-law Roy Schnuell, and niece Terrie Zirbel.

Dad taught us how to work and how to pray. His faith was first and foremost. He saw God in nature and everything outdoors. Dad was connected to the land, family, and friends. He preferred the depth and richness that comes from one-on-one conversations. We will miss his witty sense of humor, garden and orchard tours, the twinkle in his eyes, and his heavenly voice. Our hearts ache for our loss, but we know he is once again enjoying his mom’s home cooking in heaven.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Chuch (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until 11:45 am on Friday, January 14, 2022. Those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service may do so by visiting wietingfuneralhome.com and following the links.

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Matthew A. Gehl.