Matthew Joseph Ernst

6/24/2005 - 6/15/2026

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Obituary For Matthew Joseph Ernst

Celebrating the Life of Matthew Joseph Ernst

On June 15, 2026, the world lost a brilliant mind and a fiercely kind soul. Matthew Joseph Ernst, born June 24, 2005, lived his life with an extraordinary sense of empathy, wonder, and purpose.

Matthew was a graduate of Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience and a junior at St. Louis University, where he majored in psychology. His academic achievements, including earning a Vice Presidents’ scholarship, were fueled by his ultimate goal: to help people. Because of his own health challenges, Matthew viewed the world with a unique perspective and an unparalleled understanding of what it means to face adversity. He turned his personal challenges into a source of deep, compassionate strength.

To know Matthew was to know a young man who fought daily for justice, fairness, and kindness. He was a creator at heart—whether he was building intricate worlds for his high-school and college Dungeons & Dragons groups, designing elaborate Halloween costumes, or simply appreciating a peaceful day in nature. He loved swimming parties, building sandcastles, and found pure happiness in the simplest things, like observing a bird.

Matthew had a profound love for animals, sharing a special bond with his cat, Zinc. More than anything, Matthew was a healer of spirits; if he saw someone feeling down, he always insisted on wrapping them in a hug.

Matthew’s memory will be forever treasured by his parents, Elizabeth and Joseph Ernst; his aunts and uncles, Mark and Joni Schnitzler, and Michael and Sue Geolat; his cousins, Jennifer, Nicole, Sarah, Nicholas, and Brian; and a close-knit circle of trusted friends and families, including Francis, Orson, Brody, and the Buthod, Jarrett, Kieran and Kellmeyer families. He joins in peace his late grandparents, Danny and Diane Schnitzler, and Thomas and June Ernst.

Matthew’s life was a testament to keeping an innocent, curious heart in a complex world. We invite family and friends to join us in honoring him on Saturday June 20th at 10am at Bellefontaine Cemetery, 4947 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115. We will take a small hike into a natural prairie space; please wear appropriate shoes. Offsite luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Matthew’s honor to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation or Red Bike Outreach.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Aunt Marlene Holtmeyer planted 5 trees in memory of Matthew Joseph Ernst . - 06/19/2026

  • 5 TREES

    The Jarrett Family planted 5 trees in memory of Matthew Joseph Ernst . - 06/17/2026

Condolences

  • 06/19/2026

    Chris and Martha Michael

    We are so sorry to hear the news about Matt. We know that losing a child is one of the hardest things you can ever experience. Our thoughts and prayers go with you.

  • 06/19/2026

    Lisa Kadlec

    Matthew was an eager student in second grade. He always wore some cute rain boots! He was well liked by all his classmates. He volunteered his mom for everything. His soul to is missed. I am praying for your family. Lisa Kadlec. 2 grade teacher

  • 06/18/2026

    Ulrica Fontenot - Boeing

    Elizabeth, there are no words that could comfort the pain of losing a child but I want to do my best to encourage you just as you encouraged me not too long ago when I lost my mom. I can testify that if we allow God to help us carry the pain, He will do it. Sending my deepest condolences to the two of you and praying for a brighter day. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away..

  • 06/18/2026

    Anjanette Gondzur

    May the angels lead Matthew into paradise, and may the memories of your precious son sustain and bless you both.

  • 06/17/2026

    Denise Brooks

    We are so incredibly sorry to hear about Matthew's passing. I will always remember his kindness and the fun events we have attended together as families. We are sending our love and prayers.

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