Matthew Hooper, 65

Matthew Hooper passed away from complications of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, which he was diagnosed with on December 12, 2024. He was at his home surrounded by his family.

Matthew was born along with his twin brother Michael on June 12, 1959 to Patricia Hooper. 

He lived in Woodstock all his life and graduated in 1977 from Woodstock High School. On June 10, 1978, he married Wendy Schmarje. Matt worked at the Woodstock Daily Sentinel, Graftek Press, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran High School, Harbor Freight, and Auto Zone. He was a faithful man who enjoyed playing dartball and softball and fixing and repairing small engines and helping everyone and anyone that needed something. 

He is survived by his wife Wendy; son Nicholas (Amanda Stahl); daughter Kimberly (Nick) Palek; grandchildren Nevaeh and Dominick Hooper; his twin brother Michael; his cousin Mary Hooper Shaw of Arizona; many nieces and nephews; as well as other family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his mom Patricia Hooper, grandparents Albert and Esther Hooper, uncle James Hooper and his ex-wife Nancy (Berlin) Hooper and their son Steve Hooper, and two nephews Noah Kelling and Shawn Haager.

Celebration of Life will be at 3 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Caleb Schauer officiating, 6821 Main St., Union, IL 60180. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in care of the family.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersfhc.com

For more information, call Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory at 815-420-3030.