Matthew VanDenBossche

Matthew VanDenBossche, 48, of Chatham, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Matthew was born on September 20, 1976, to John VanDenBossche and Sharon Lokaitis. He was preceded in death by his father, John, and his infant son, Jonathan VanDenBossche.

Matthew “Matt” was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a proud, hardworking man and true outdoorsman.

Much of what Matt knew and loved about life was passed down to him by his parents. He shared a special bond with his dad, rooted in their love of baseball, hunting, working with their hands, nature, and craftsmanship. He would spend countless hours with his mom, sharing their love of coffee and front-porch-sitting, watching hummingbirds approach her feeder and talking about life.

Matt’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially when it meant doing the things he loved most. Whether it was hunting in the woods at sunrise, casting a line on a quiet lake, or cruising backroads on a motorcycle, Matt found peace and purpose in these moments and made sure his kids were always a part of them.

One of his favorite activities with his grandchildren was taking them to play at every playground he could find with no regard for time. Matt had a youthful spirit and special ability to connect with any child by getting on their level and it was in these times he outwardly displayed his child-like joy to all around him.

He had a deep love for working with his hands and could fix or build just about anything. From fixing cars in the garage to tinkering with motorcycles and all things mechanical, Matt’s passion for craftsmanship was undeniable.

His legacy lives on in the values and passions he passed down to his kids, who carry forward his spirit of kindness and love.

Matt will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but especially by the family he cherished so dearly.

He is survived by his six children: Levi (Michaela) VanDenBossche of Fairview Heights, IL, Nicholas (Haylie) VanDenBossche of Collinsville, IL, Ryan VanDenBossche, Kyle VanDenBossche, Benjamin VanDenBossche, and Frankie VanDenBossche all of Collinsville, IL, four grandchildren: Eli, Hayden, Peyton and Skyler VanDenBossche, mother Sharon Lokaitis of Springfield, IL, siblings John VanDenBossche, Rebecca (Ryan) Johnston and Alison (Benjamin) Hornback, all of Springfield, IL, nephews Brady VanDenBossche, Landon Hagerman, Evan Hagerman, William Hornback, and nieces Joy VanDenBossche and Elliot Hornback, all of Springfield, IL.

A visitation for Matthew will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street, Springfield, IL 62703, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. A private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.