Matt E. Bales

Matt E. Bales, age 79, of St. Charles, IL passed away Friday, July 22, 2022 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL.

He was born July 27, 1942, in Elmhurst, IL, the son of Leonard and Frances (Case) Bales.

Matt graduated from York High School in Elmhurst IL and Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, where he was president of his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, his senior year. After college, Matt enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country, where he was honor man for his recruit company, and obtained the rank of Storekeeper, Second Class. Upon leaving the Navy, Matt worked for several lumber facilities until 1976, when he founded M.E.B. Construction Company in St. Charles, IL. In 2005, Matt and his son Grant were honored by the Illinois Homebuilders Association as Remodeler of the Year.

Matt also was a Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader for over 30 years. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, where he was president of the St. Charles conference for six years. At present time, he was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Peter’s conference. Matt was also on the Parish Council at St. Patrick’s Church in St. Charles for four years.

Matt is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Patricia (Reilly) who has been a tremendous healthcare provider for the past six months; 4 children Matt Jr. (Amy) of Coral Gables, FL, Tara (Gary) Hunt of Naperville, IL, Grant (Amber) of Geneva, IL and Laura Bales of Costa Mesa, CA; 6 grandchildren Brielle and Aubrey Bales, Keegan and Ashleigh Hunt, Shae Atkins, and Greenlee Bales; siblings Ann Yazel, Stanley (Margaret) Bales, and Frances Alderson. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Leonard, Robert, Marion, Donald, John, and Will, and his grandson Connor Hunt.

Matt enjoyed running, camping, fishing, cooking, family vacations, and quality time with family and friends. Matt completed the Fox Valley Marathon at age 73. He loved sports, especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. He was a loving husband and father and instilled a strong work ethic and moral values in his children. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and optimistic outlook on life.

Funeral prayers will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 at 9:30 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State St. (Rt. 38) Geneva, IL 60134, proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Rd, Geneva, IL 60134 for Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:30 am with Father Jonathan Bakkelund Celebrant. To view the livestream of the funeral mass click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BoP_qgYvHg

Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL.

Visitation for Matt will be held Thursday, July 28 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a Liturgical Service at 7:45 pm at the Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to:  SVdP St. Peter Geneva Conference, c/o St. Peter Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, IL 60134.

Information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matt E. Bales, please visit our floral store.