Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. Beloved son of the late Albert T. and Dolores M. Kaestner, Jr. (nee Zulpo). Loving father of Hailee and Maddison Kaestner. Dearest brother of John (JoAnn), Michael (Debby), Mitchell (Mae) and the late Thomas (surviving Mary Ann). Matt was the younger, “fun” uncle to Jennifer (Kris) Saxsma, John (Sarah) Kaestner, Jr., Thomas M. Kaestner, Robert (Marcella) Kaestner, Paul (Natalie) Kaestner, Josh (Amy) Kaestner, Chris (Kelsey) Kaestner, Jessie (Mike) Wirthlin, Anthony Kaestner and Allison Kaestner. Dear step-uncle to Patrick (Shannon) Breheny II, Julie (Sean) Morris and Katie (Mike) Francis. cousin to John Zulpo and Patti Zulpo, our loving great uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Matt was a proud 40-year employee of Villa Lighting. He was an excellent fast-pitch softball player with the Hall of Fame team St. Louis Engineers. A skilled catcher and outfielder, Matt was an avid fan of all sports, especially the Cardinals, St. Louis football Cardinals, and St. Louis Rams. Above all, he was the kind of person that once you met him, you were his friend. He enjoyed getting together with his family, sharing stories of growing up with his brothers, and hanging out with his many friends.
Before anything, you would find out that he was a truly amazing father. Many say that the first thing Matt would talk about is his children, Hailee and Maddison. He was a dad first and foremost, and he deserved to be in the hall of fame just for that.
He will be missed by all of us, but our memories of Matt will last forever.
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Thursday, March 5 at 8:45 am. to Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Valley Park) for 9:30 am. Mass. Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, March 4 from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Back Stoppers charity, Stray Rescue of St. Louis, or one of the two places that took such good care of Matt toward the end of his life.
Thank you to St. Anthony’s deGreeff hospice for treating Matt as family and for showing so much compassion. Thank you also to Nazareth Rehabilitation Center for showing Matt kindness and dignity.