Matthew Roegge

Matthew James “Matt” Roegge, age 44 of Arenzville, died Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

He was born April 17, 1977 in Jacksonville, the son of David John and Judith Ann Messerschmidt Roegge. He married Jill Briggs on November 23, 2009 in Jacksonville.

He is survived by his wife Jill Roegge of rural Arenzville: three children Charles Roegge, Lydia (husband Wade) Mathis, and Isaac French, all of Arenzville; two grandchildren Noah and Andrew James Mathis; three siblings Aaron (wife Nicole) Roegge of Arenzville, Philip (wife Sarah) Roegge of Arenzville, and Michael Roegge of Nashville, TN; his mother-in-law Judy Briggs of Virginia; paternal aunts and uncles Joy Schnitker, Lorraine Quigg, George (wife Trudy) Roegge, Martha (husband Ken) Phelps, and Patricia Roegge; maternal aunts and uncles Alice (husband Pete) Welsh, Lois (husband Dennis) Wahrle, Mark (wife Joy) Messerschmidt, Champ (wife Dawn) Messerschmidt, Phyllis (husband Bob) Schneider, and Phillip (wife Rhonda) Messerschmidt; and his in-laws in Jill’s family: Sally (husband Byron “Barney”) Stock, Sue (husband Nozomu) Ishimori, and Mark (wife Jan) Briggs. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his father-in-law Wayne Briggs, and several aunts and uncles.

Matt was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville and confirmed on April 28, 1991 with his confirmation verse being John 10:27-28 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville and faithfully attended the First United Methodist Church in Beardstown with his family. Although he was quiet with his faith, he knew and believed that Jesus was his Lord and Savior.

Matt was a true hometown boy and attended Trinity Lutheran grade school, and then graduated from Triopia High School in the class of 1995, where he played football and basketball, and was crowned homecoming king. He furthered his education at Western Illinois University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. He worked at and eventually managed Sunrise Ag in Arenzville for several years. When his son Charles was born, he knew it was time to “come home to farm.” He joined his brothers Aaron and Philip, and they established AMP Roegge Brothers Farms, in which he was still currently farming. It gave Matt great satisfaction to work on the family farm and be partners with his brothers. He was a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and served as an Arenzville Township Board Trustee.

Matt had a generous heart and would do anything for anyone. People could depend on him to help where help was needed. Matt was selfless and was a devoted family man. He loved his wife and showed it in many ways but especially by embracing her children as his own. Lydia always seemed to find a gift from him in her car when she came home from college, and he lent a helping hand with all of Isaac’s daily care and passions in life. Charlie was his right-hand man. Matt’s happiest days were the eleven years he spent being a Dad to Charlie. From the morning coffee they shared before doing chores, to working together at the farm, and relaxing of an evening scanning through farm classified ads, Matt and Charlie were true farming partners. Two more kindred spirits will never be found.

Matt was the hardest working man, but he knew that family came first. Even after a hard day’s work, he would head outside with Charlie to shoot some hoops, toss around a football, or go fishing at their favorite spot. When he had a little down time or on a rainy day, he and Charlie enjoyed watching Tom and Jerry, NCIS or “critiquing” sports referees. He was also known for carrying on the longest phone conversations…never missing a detail.

Matt’s passion for his family, his farm, and helping others was like none other. Matt’s departure has left an indescribable void in the lives of those who loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Saturday, September 18, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Beardstown with Pastor Jarrett Wells officiating. Burial will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Arenzville. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 PM Friday at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In accordance with the state of Illinois mandate, masks will be required to be worn inside during the visitation and service.

Memorials have been suggested to the Charles Roegge Education Fund. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.