Matthew D. Kuenstling

Matthew D. Kuenstling, age 29, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday September 24, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.

Matt was born on August 4, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and spent a joyful childhood in Circle Pines, Minnesota with his parents Jon and Dot, and sister Carly Jo (30). Matt attended the Centennial School District where he excelled academically. Soccer was his passion and he played for the Centennial Cougars lettering four years and was in the St. Paul United and Minnesota Thunder Academy Soccer Clubs. Matt was awarded 2nd Team All-State Soccer honors in 2015. He worked and lived in Ames, Iowa. Matt loved art and music. He dazzled with his artistic painting, chalkboards and sidewalk art and he also taught himself to play the keyboard.

Matt endeared himself to people wherever he went with his quiet unassuming, soft spirit. His listening ability was appreciated by anyone who reached out, while his caring nature touched many hearts. He is a cherished son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. Matt is survived by his parents, Dot and Jon Kuenstling; sister, Carly; grandma, Gail Jensen; aunts and uncles, Del and Brenda Jensen, Dale and Kelly Jensen, Kathleen Kuenstling and Dennis Roemig, Tom Kuenstling and Stacy Yglesia, Cheri and Mark Murray, Mark and Ann Kuenstling; and cousins, Steven Jensen, Mariah Jensen, Ami Anderson, Alex Jensen, Gina Murray, Bridget Doyle and Jenny Herrera. Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Marge Kuenstling and Delbert Jensen. His kindness showed through in all his words and actions, and he will be deeply missed in a way felt beyond our heart.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery, St. Ansgar. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted and given to Centennial area soccer clubs. Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is assisting the family with arrangements.