Patricia “Pat” A. Matchey
The world lost a ray of sunshine on March 13, 2025. Patricia “Pat” Ann Matchey died peacefully in her home at the age of 90. She was able to live independently until her passing due to the love and support of her family and Hospice team.
Patricia was born January 24, 1935, to Frank and Gertude (Natzke) Welch, and was raised in Milwaukee. She married Bernard E. Matchey Sr., Sept. 1, 1951. They eventually moved to the rural Whitehall area to start a dairy farm. Together, they raised six children and worked hard on a busy farm, yet they always made time to attend their children’s school and sporting events and sit as a family in church on Sunday mornings.
Family was such an important part of Pat’s life. She loved cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to many accomplishments. She always took the time to listen, and when she repeated a story, it may have contained just a little embellishment.
Pat was an avid sports fan and followed the Brewers, Badgers and Packers with devotion. She enjoyed shopping, especially for an outfit with a touch of bling or buying giant stuffed animals for her great-grandchildren. She also appreciated meeting with her special friends in a Friday prayer group and shaking dice with neighbors.
Pat lived her life with gratitude. Her thank you notes were always prompt. She loved to express her thanks with a large package of Oreo cookies to the many who helped her.
Patricia is survived by six children: Sherry (fiancé Dennis Erfurth), Michael (special friend Rhonda Haines), Jane (Gary) Holen, Tommy (Kris) Matchey, Bernard Matchey Jr., and Robert Matchey. She is survived by 13 grandchildren: Matthew (fiancé Kirsten Buvala) Hill, Michael Hill (fiancé Joe Wenninger), Amanda (Ryan) Boos, Joshua (Val) Matchey, Jess Holen, Adam (Alissa) Holen, Laura (Chad) Foss, Leslie (Kyle) Brantner, Lee (Amanda) Matchey, Daniel Matchey, Holland Matchey, Rachel Matchey, and Desiree (Keith) Erdman. She is survived by 20 great-grandchildren: Parker Smith, Easton, Clay, and Lily Matchey, Oakley Holen, Kade, Kye, Kolden, and Kinley Foss, Rhett, Ryker, and Ramsi Brantner, Huxley and Ravyn Matchey, John and Grace Matchey, Maddison Crosbie, Elijah Matchey, Jeremiah Phillips Jr., and Sierra Myers. She is also survived by her dear sister, Barbara Welch; and two sisters-in-law: Darlene (Bernard) Sura and Margaret Matchey.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Bernard Matchey; her brother, Tommy Welch; sisters-in-law: Eleanore Bohlinger, Marian Sosalla, Bernice Matchey, Doris Matchey; and brothers-in-law: Alphonse Matchey, Edward Matchey and Richard Matchey.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Saint John’s Catholic Church in Whitehall, with burial in Lincoln Cemetery. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., until the time of service.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Visits from Gwen, Erica, Karin, and Alli were among the highlights of Patricia’s week. In Patricia’s memory, donations can be sent to St. John’s Catholic church, Trempealeau County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.
