Matthew "Matt" Mark Gareis

Matthew “Matt” Mark Gareis was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 19, 1966, to Gregory and Frances Gareis. For as long as he could remember, Matt had a natural curiosity to know how things worked, how they were put together, and how he could make them better. He rarely looked at an item simply as what it was but how it could be better or what else it could be used for. He started more projects than most people have ever attempted; he didn’t finish them all because once he had proved his theory to himself, he was already moving on to the next idea. He was a wealth of knowledge on everything from jet fuel propulsion to quantum physics to mechanics to gardening. Matt’s life was fulfilled not by chasing dollars but by quenching his never-ending thirst for more information and pursuing new ideas. Leaving the Chicago area for rural Missouri was in large part for the space to enable his many interests. Matt spent nearly 40 years as an auto mechanic, attaining rare World Class status from the Automotive Service Excellence Association by passing their stringent tests in every specialty of auto repair. Here in Missouri, he spent 12 years with Seeger Toyota of St. Robert before changing fields altogether and joining Quaker Windows and Doors as a maintenance technician; still fixing things, just entirely different kinds of things which of course suited him just fine. Matt and wife Becky were together for 28 years, married for the last 13. Matt cherished his role as stepfather to three children, Samantha Moore, the late Jared Moore and Michael (Nichole) Barkus and then grandpa to 10 grandchildren: Michael, Brihanna, Michael Jr., Mya, Travis, Kelsea, Bella, Joey, Hope and Dominic. He enjoyed playing chess with them, teaching them to shoot (better than him) and trying to explain all his unique works in progress. Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Fran and Greg Gareis, and son USMC Cpl Jared Moore. In addition to his wife, kids and many grandkids, he leaves behind his loving sister Heather Gareis (Dave Schoonover), beloved nieces Hayden and Gabrielle, sister Beth (Sam) Millar, and many friends and family. Celebration of Life services were held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, Missouri with James "Stu" Adams officiating. The songs "Drink a Beer" by Luke Bryan, "Beat You There" by Will Dempsey, and "When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" by Trey Pendley were played. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Matt Gareis and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Matthew "Matt" Mark Gareis

July 19, 1966 - December 26, 2024