Bernard Eugene Matchey Sr., age 84, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14, 2015 in the Gundersen Tri-County Hospital in Whitehall.

Bernard was born on August 20, 1931 in Independence, Wisconsin to John and Verna (Roskos) Matchey. He graduated from Independence High School. Bernard proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War conflict followed by the Army Reserves. He received an honorable discharge on October 1, 1959. Bernard married Patricia Welch on September 1, 1951 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Together they moved to the rural Whitehall area to begin a dairy farm. He also served as Postmaster in Whitehall for nearly 30 years.

Bernard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia Matchey; six children, Sherry (fiancé, Dennis Erfurth) Hill of Oregon, WI, Michael (special friend, Rhonda Haines) Matchey of Pleasantville, Jane (Gary) Holen, Thomas (Kris) Matchey and Bernard (special friend, Carla Olson) Matchey Jr. all of Whitehall and Robert Matchey of Eau Claire. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Matthew Hill of Oregon, WI, Michael Hill of Bloomington, IN, Amanda (Jerry) Smith of Fond du Lac, Joshua Matchey of Durand, Jess Holen of Milwaukee, Adam Holen of Denver, CO, Laura (Chad) Foss of Whitehall, Leslie Matchey of Mondovi, Lee Matchey of Whitehall, Daniel Matchey of Red Wing,M N, Holland and Rachel Matchey both of Phoenix, AZ, and Desiree Stilwell of Eau Claire; 8 great-grandchildren, Kade, Kye and Kolden Foss, John and Grace Matchey, Maddison Crosbie, Jeremiah Phillips Jr. and Sierra Myers; two sisters, Eleanore Bohlinger and Darlene (Bernard) Sura; one brother, Edward (Doris) Matchey and three sisters-in-law, Margaret and Bernice Matchey and Barbara Welch.

In addition to his parents, Bernard was preceded in death by two brothers, Alphonse and Richard Matchey and a sister, Marian Sosalla.

Bernard believed in hard work all his life. He loved his family. He was an avid sports fan, never missing a Packers or Brewers game. He was very proud of his military service. A highlight for him was the Freedom Honor Flight in 2013, accompanied by his son, Michael, where they were greeted to a heroes welcome by the entire family.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10:30 am in St. John's Catholic Church in Whitehall with Father Woodrow Pace officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post #191 will be in the Lincoln Cemetery in Whitehall.

Visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall where a Christian prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. followed by a parish rosary. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to AMVETS Post 1 or the Freedom Honor Flight.

Bernard's family would like to thank the staff of Gundersen Tri-County Hospital, the Tomah VA, Moore Genuine Care and Gundersen Health System Hospice for the kindness and care given him.