Amy, I was so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. Please know that you and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cling tightly to each other, to your memories of Matt, and to our loving heavenly Father. May He comfort you and bring you peace. Love to you all. Dave
Dave Brown
August 15, 2024
Amy, sometimes things happen that we don't fully understand and can't explain. I went through something similar with my Dad when I was attending college at Mizzou. Remember this, you are loved and know that by having faith you will be eventually reunited with Matt in Heaven should give you tremendous comfort. You are a strong, incredibly smart woman and have a wonderful supporting family and family in the fire service. Let God comfort you and give you peace. Let him show you the path forward. Trust in Him. I am convinced you will do great things with yourself and your family. If there is anything we can do to help ease your pain please let me know at anytime. You can get through this, and you have many people that will help out along the way. God Bless you and your family and may Matt Rest in Peace. While the path might not be the easiest one, know that we are here with you. Stop by sometime at HFD, and please keep in touch. Matt loved you dearly, as do we.
Jeff and Kathy Daley
August 14, 2024
I remember Matt from Cedar Falls. Valley Park Elementary and Cub Scouts as well. He was a great kid and lived not too far from my family in Cedar Falls. We crossed paths a lot when we were in elementary school. Next thing I know he is in Cedar Rapids working at the Fire Department. Saw him on many calls, as I worked at the Police Department. Sad to hear of his sudden passing. He was always one to say "hi" and chat for a minute on calls. We would talk of Cedar Falls once in a while. He will be missed.
Cory McGarvey
August 14, 2024
In remeberance of Matt Kunkle
Matt and I were close friends during elementay school at Valley Park, Cedar Falls. Sometimes we had the same class, we'd spend time at his house and sometimes mine and I'd eat diner with his mother and grand parents. We would watch movies together, we would play Atari in his basement and just have fun hanging out. We played sports at school during recess, after school in Cub Scout softball and flag football.
One of my fondest memories with Matt was in 6th grade, I had saved enough money to go with him to Pizza Hutt. We planned ahead of time when to go and we walked there during the lunch period. We each ordered a personal pan pizza and a pop. It was a fun experience to have some independence and to get off the school grounds at that age.
We lost contact after going to different junior high schools, but reconnected in high school and again later in adulthood.
I have a lot of great memories in elementary with Matt. I am so glad to have been friends and I will miss you Matt.
Your friend,
Tim Crandall
Timothy Crandall
August 13, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. He lived across the street from my grandparents when we were kids and we graduated together from CFHS. Always kind and caring.
Angela Bigelow
August 12, 2024
I worked with Matt in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area while a Critical Care Paramedic with Covenant Medical Center. He was a great guy with a wonderful sense of Humor. Did a great job in EMS with us. Sad to hear of his passing.
James Diesburg
August 12, 2024
A hero now enjoys eternal Grace with God.
I only knew Matt as a hero as he responded to calls in service to others. Middle school football injuries, occasional calls in the neighborhood and, of course, the MD efforts to fill the boot. I was always relieved and grateful, beyond measure, when the heroes arrived.
His service is forever. May his family and friends celebrate a life of service.
Jeff Thorsteinson
August 12, 2024
What a beautiful tribute♡ I knew Matt from working in Mercy ED for years and was married to a fellow medic. He was always a class act. I am deeply sorry for you loss. May your faith and memories bring you great peace.
Vicki Huntington
August 11, 2024
I never met Matt personally, but we were in a lot of conversations together about when Cedar Falls switched to the public safety model a few years ago. He was very intelligent and informative in his type of work and i was absolutely blown away, and enlightened when he shared his level of knowledge. I was hoping to meet him in person now that I'm living in Iowa City whenever I came up to CR. Rest easy, Matt. You will always be forever legendary
Kate Winterink
August 10, 2024
Connie and family:
Rick and I are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. May memories bring you comfort and may God grant you peace in the coming days. Sending love hugs and prayers
Kerri Gabbard Wilson
August 10, 2024
Mark and I are so sorry for your loss of Matt! Our heart, prayers and love go out to Amy and his whole family. All of his tributes we have read have shown what a wonderful man he was! I am sorry we will not be able to attend his service as we are out of state right now - but we will be with you in prayer. Love, Kathy and Mark Rayhons
Kathy Rayhons
August 10, 2024
Matt was my best friend for thirty plus years. Who could have known that our recent trip to Ford Carlisle and Washington DC would have been our last trip together. I feel fortunate for the years that I’ve known him. He was a great guy all around; He will truly be missed.
Frank Braniff
August 10, 2024