Matthew Riester

Matthew Kurt Riester, 67, of Belleville, IL, born June 22, 1958, in Belleville, IL, died January 30, 2026, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Matthew was a United States Army veteran. He was a proud member of the 3rd infantry division and formerly served as a secretary treasurer and president. Matthew was a lifetime member of the AMVETS post 161 and Bassmaster (BASS) member. He had a passion for animals and loved going fishing.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Lomas Riester; and his mother, Reta (Fredrick) Wilhelm, nee Radford.

Matthew is survived by loving wife of 38 years, Becky Riester, nee Mueller, whom he married on June 10, 1987; three brothers, Mark (Angie) Riester, Aaron (Jami) Riester, and Toby (Monya) Riester; five nieces and nephews, Joshua, Cory, Michael, Lizzie, and Amanda; a cousin, Dale Becker; and his three cats, Claude, Chauncey, and Purcey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Gary Huffman officiating.