Donald “Don” Matchey

 

Donald Matchey, 85, of Eleva, passed away Friday, October 7, 2022, at Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls.

Donald was born April 28, 1937, to Peter and Gladys (Knudtson) Matchey, in Whitehall. Don graduated from Whitehall Highschool in 1956. He was united in marriage to Judy McBride, September 21, 1957, recently celebrating 65 years together.

Don served our country in the U.S. Army from 1960-1966, spending two years of his military service in Germany and the remainder in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a Master Plumber and founded Matchey Plumbing in 1970. Don enjoyed a 50+ year career in an industry that he loved. He took great pride in his profession and loved giving back, serving nine years as a Board of Director for the Wisconsin Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, 14 years of service to the State of Wisconsin’s Apprenticeship Program Board and CVTC’s Eau Claire Area Plumbers Joint Association Apprenticeship Committee.

Don was a life member of the Hopland-Moen Legion of Eleva, the Strum VFW and was also a Shriner at the Buffalo River Lodge in Mondovi. Over the years, Don enjoyed dart ball, bowling, golf and deer hunting. He loved following and attending sporting events. Don attended the WIAA Basketball Tournaments for many years and attended many Badgers and Packers games with family and friends. Don took pride in his annual garden, providing pumpkins for his grandchildren and sharing vegetables with family and friends. Don and Judy spent many summer weekends at their cabin on Lake Holcombe.

Don is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters: Donna (Todd) VanDen Avond, Cheryl (Ken) Rue and son Kirk (Nancy) Matchey. Don loved his grandchildren: Callie (Joey) Stoutland, Garrett (Vanessa) Rue, Zachary (Johanna) Rue, Brett VanDenAvond, Jenna VanDenAvond, Marissa Matchey and Alex Matchey; great-grandchildren: Emmett and Jack Stoutland, Piper Rue and Fritz Rue. He is also survived by niece, Nancy (Tom) Sherren; and nephews: Wayne and Ron (Linda) Matchey; brother-in-law, Lynn (Daneen) Norheim; sister-in-law, Patricia McBride; and many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Peter Matchey; brother and sister-in-law, George and Mavis Matchey; and niece, Deanna Matchey.

Don’s family is forever grateful for the amazing care he received at Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls and Saint Joseph’s Hospice.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the Eleva Lutheran Church. Visitation was from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Military Honors were provided by Eleva American Legion Post 459 and Strum VFW Post #655 Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life immediately followed at the Eleva American Legion Hall.

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