Click Here to Listen LIVE to

Matthew Joseph Gengler. 2

Matthew Joseph Gengler made his grand entrance into the world on November 6, 2023, the fifth of six children born to Justin and Shelby (Broeckelman) Gengler. His arrival was so quick that his dad nearly missed the moment-all in the name of a cheeseburger. He was special from the very beginning, as everyone, particularly big brother Newman, had been patiently waiting for another boy to join the family.

That good, easygoing newborn quickly became a baby on the move. He seemed to grow up faster than his older siblings- so as not to be left out and to keep up with all the excitement. His blue eyes and mischievous little grin shone light wherever he went. He knew it, too, often commanding everyone's attention at the supper table.

Fruit snacks were Matthew's favorite, and he could often talk Mom into giving him two packages at a time. Tom & Jerry was his most requested show, and he made sure to put all of Uncle Wyatt's old DVDs to good use. Being outdoors and tagging along with Dad, however, was where Matthew found the most joy. He fed many bales and preferred to start chores by blasting some, "Ice Ice Baby" through the speakers. He loved getting dirty and averaged at least two outfit changes a day. He hated shoes; barefoot was definitely best. Matthew's little calloused feet could traverse just about any terrain.

When he wasn't in the shed "working" with Dad, he could persuade the rest of the family to play in the sandbox, jump on the trampoline, or push him on the swings. He was mastering his Strider bike and had the big kids giving him a running start down any hill they could find- always looking for a little more thrill.

He loved everything about skid steers; his most prized possession was a toy one he received for Christmas last year. While he put plenty of miles on it around the house, nothing compared to the real thing out in the yard. Whenever he heard one fire up, he was a streak out the door for some fun. Thankfully, Dad needed it for work almost every day, so there were plenty of opportunities for exciting rides. On days when it wasn't actually needed for a task, Dad would still take him for a spin simply because he loved it so much.

Matthew always wanted to be included on trips in to town. His favorite stop was Bomgaars, usually followed by a trip through the bank drive-thru for a special piece of candy. He then preferred to wrap up errands with lunch at Dairy Queen. He was never shy about requesting to dine out.

On the rare occasion when he slowed down a bit, he loved having Mom read Little Excavator and Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? On his last morning on this Earth, Mom was privileged enough to read him both books three times each. He resisted naps, but on his final afternoon, Mom got to snuggle up with him as a thunderstorm rolled through and sparked a stream of questions.

While Matthew was a very chatty child, "safe" was not exactly a word commonly used in his daily vocabulary. Before falling asleep that afternoon, he went through every member of his immediate family and adamantly wanted to know that each one was safe. Though no one understood it at the time, he knew his work on Earth was coming to an end, and he wanted to make sure the people he loved most would be okay.

In two and a half short years, Matthew accomplished on Earth all that God asked of him. He was fearless, curious, joyful, and so very loved.

Left to cherish his memory and miss their very own saint in Heaven are his family of home- including parents, Justin and Shelby Gengler; his doting sisters, Emma, Maryn, and Ellie; his adored big brother, Newman; and his baby sister, Nora, who will grow up hearing countless stories about her older brother.

He is also survived by his grandparents, Craig and Jolene Gengler and Mike and Sharla Broeckelman, all of Beloit; great-grandparents Ron and Bernice Eilert of Beloit, Joan Broeckelman of Esbon, and LaNeta Smith of Beloit; aunts Lyn (Brad) Ellenz, Corbyn (Travis) Schroeder, Lindy (Dawson) Zimlich, Kaley (Aaron) Bachura, Jenna Gengler, Aubrey Gengler, and Aimee Gengler; uncles Jimmy (Bren) Broeckelman, Ryan (fiancée Brynn Boxberger) Broeckelman, Wyatt Broeckelman, and Tristin Gengler; cousins Ava, Luke, Charlie, and Anna Ellenz; Greer and Blythe Schroeder; and Whit and Bowen Bachura, along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

St. Matthew, pray for us.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM Wednesday, June 10 at the St. John's Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 1-4 PM Tuesday at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, & a Rosary Service will be at 6 PM Tuesday at the St. John's Catholic Church.

Memorials may be given for Matthew Gengler Scholarship Fund, Mitchell County Emergency Service, or Mitchell County Rescue Squad.

Other Obituaries

Beloit, KS 67420, USA