MENDOTA – Matthew J. Gambrel, 54, of Mendota, passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2025, at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center, his loving wife by his side.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m. at Wasmer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday April 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Rev. Greg Nelson will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded after services and burial will be private.

Matt was born Jan. 14, 1971, in Mendota, to Jerry and Lynn (Biederstedt) Gambrel. He worked for C. I. T. Trucking in Peru as a parts counter man.

Matt will be greatly missed by his wife, Michelle; son, Trevor (Paige) McStoots; daughter, Chantelle (Matt) Balliu; mother, Lynn Gambrel; grandchildren, Maci McStoots, Sophie and Harper Balliu; stepson; Cody Carnahan; two brothers, Chris (Stephanie) Gambrel and Jeremiah (Lindsay) Gambrel; sister, Michelle “Sissy” Gambrel; brother-in-law, Chad Ensor; sister-in-law, Laura (Everett) Schmitt; four nieces, six nephews, and three great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry; brother, Brian; nephew, Masyn; maternal grandparents, Rose “Gramma B” and Carl Biederstedt; and paternal grandparents, JB and Elizabeth Gambrel.

King Matt was one heck of a kind. He was so proud of everyone. Yet he didn’t know how proud of him we were. If you ever had the chance to meet him, you would know why he is unforgettable. He would not have wanted the traditional service, so remember this will be one of a kind. Some people would have been speechless with his requests. It is definitely a good thing he is not writing his own obituary because it would be so unholy. He was the biggest smart*** (remember we have to keep it clean) you would ever meet. However, he wore his heart on his sleeve and would have been there for anyone no questions asked. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. We’re not sure why. He even turned his wife into one. We will have to fix that. He had a love for life and family. He loved fishing, drag races, muscle cars, animals, the list goes on. Just think of all the things you get out of doing now, no nursing home in Mexico, family bail outs, grocery shopping, mechanical work, arguing with your brothers…you damn slacker. If you were ever harassed by him in your life just know that you became his friend for life.

His true pride and joys were his wife, son, daughter and three beautiful grandbabies. They were his world. Your minions are going to miss you like crazy. Your two nephews will now step up and take over helping grandma and sissy. Sissy will still get her weekly special treats. Just remember to always share his stories. He loved to reminisce about everything he did and what others did to make everyone laugh. He wanted to be buried upside down so we could all kiss it. But instead, we will send him off with the middle finger salute (so his style). We love and will miss you forever Matt.

In keeping with Matt's loving and generous spirit, even in death, his giving continues as his donation of tissues will touch the lives of many.

Pallbearers will be Matt Balliu, James Boege, Caeleb Ensor, Chad Ensor, Jacob Ensor, Ari Gambrel, Chandler Gambrel and Gary West.

Memorials may be directed to Horizon House and condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.