Obituary of Matthew Joseph Burchfield
Matthew Joseph (Kirsch) Burchfield, age 25, of Mazon, passed away Monday, April 20, 2020 at Loyola University Medical Center, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident March 23, 2020.
Matthew was born November 29, 1994 in Joliet, and lived in Morris from birth until age 8, when his family moved to Diamond. He was a graduate of Coal City High School, Class of 2013. He moved to Ormond By The Sea, Florida, to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2018, and was a member of the Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society and the Experimental Rocket Propulsion Team, and Vice President of ERAU MicroJet Team.
Following college he returned to Illinois and bought his first house with his fiancé, Christina, in Mazon. He was a proud member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #15, and worked as an Auxiliary Operator at the Exelon LaSalle County Generating Station. Matt was also a member of Lisbon Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Matthew was one of those people who left a mark on those he touched that will never be lost. He accomplished so much in his short life but also had a really good time! He willingly shared his amazing intelligence and helped anyone who needed it. He was a great friend to those he grew up with as well as new friends in his jobs and just life in general. He was about to embark on a new chapter with the love of his life and there is no doubt their love story would have been a story for the ages. Maybe Heaven needed him more.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Theresa Ann (nee Hauge) (James) Clow and John Burchfield of Newark; his birth father, Paul (Traci) Kirsch of Spring Valley; two sisters, Candyce Kirsch of Plainfield, and Kayleigh Kirsch of Spring Valley; his brother, Jayden Kirsch of Spring Valley; paternal grandmothers, Mari Kirsch of Minooka, and Nancy Burchfield of Morris; maternal grandparents, Tom and Sherrie Hauge of Morris, and Chris and Greg Houdlette of Tenino, WA; maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Hauge of Morris; a niece, Leah Farley of Plainfield; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Matt is also survived by his beloved fiancé, Christina Grachan of Mazon.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfathers, Georg Kirsch and Tom Burchfield; and an uncle, Robert Hauge.
Services for Matthew Burchfield will be held at a future date when all his family and friends can gather to celebrate his life. Everyone is invited to visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may view his memorial video, post an online condolence, or share a memory or favorite story.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue donor Network (https://www.giftofhope.org/monetary-donations/) would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Morris, is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit www.fredcdames.com
