AMES — Matthew D. Kuenstling, 29, passed away unexpectedly on September 24, 2026, in Ames, Iowa.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 1 at First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar. Interment will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted and directed to Centennial-area soccer clubs.
Matt was born August 4, 1997, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and spent a joyful childhood in Circle Pines with his parents, Jon and Dot, and his sister, Carly Jo.
He attended the Centennial School District, where he excelled academically and developed a deep passion for soccer. Matt played for the Centennial Cougars, lettering all four years, and also competed with the St. Paul United and Minnesota Thunder Academy soccer clubs.
His talent on the field earned him Second Team All-State Soccer honors in 2015.
Matt later made his home and worked in Ames, Iowa.
Beyond soccer, Matt had a strong creative side and loved both art and music. He enjoyed painting, creating chalkboard and sidewalk artwork and teaching himself to play the keyboard.
Those who knew Matt remembered his quiet, gentle and unassuming spirit. He had an ability to listen when others needed someone to talk to, and his caring nature left a lasting impression on family and friends.
Matt is survived by his parents, Dot and Jon Kuenstling; his sister, Carly; grandmother, 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, and Mark and Ann Kuenstling; and cousins Steven Jensen, Mariah Jensen, Ami Anderson, Alex Jensen, Gina Murray, Bridget Doyle and Jenny Herrera.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Marge Kuenstling and Delbert Jensen.
Matt’s kindness showed through in his words and actions, while his love of soccer, art and music gave him many ways to connect with the people around him. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.
More information about Matt’s life and arrangements can be found through his obituary at Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar.
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