June 27, 2017 – Barton, WI – Norman A. Matenaer of the Town of Barton died on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at his home at the age of 85 years. He was born on September 29, 1931 in the Town of Barton to the late Edwin and Mary (nee Staehler) Matenaer.
On January 2, 1954, he was united in marriage to Genevieve C. Wondra at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville. Genevieve predeceased February 19, 2012.
During the Korean Conflict, he served with the United States Army. Following his discharge, he returned to Barton.
In 1994, he retired after more than 44 years of employment at the West Bend Company.
After his retirement, he learned to play the concertina. He enjoyed his many card clubs, dancing to polka music and Friday night fish frys. He especially enjoyed spending time in his later years with his best friend and sister-in-law Estelle Matenaer.
In addition to being a devoted and loving husband, he cherished his children, grandchildren and later great-grandchildren. His devotion to his Catholic faith was a wonderful example to his family and friends.
Norman loved his hobby farm. He lovingly tended to his collection of John Deere tractors, cared for the animals and feeding the fish in the pond on the farm.
He was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, a member of the Fr. Casper Rehrl Council #1964 Knights of Columbus, an officer and member of the We Love to Polka dance club.
Survivors include 3 children: Michael, Dale (Debra) and Cheryl (Steven) Beistle, all of West Bend; 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Rachel), James (MaryBeth), Paul (Meg), Mark (Vanessa), Peter (Elise), Alexander (fiancée Melissa Roseleip), Angela (special friend Zach Markham), Janelle (Andrew) Kieffer, Alissa (Christopher) Strange and Nicole (Zachary) Fischer; 23 great-grandchildren; brother Steve (Margaret); 2 sisters: Mary (Paul) Wassenberg and Carol (Don) Winninghoff; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Alan Batzler, Estelle Matenaer, Helen Thimm, Cecilia (Joseph) Belligan and Albert (Patricia) Wondra, Mary Wondra, Alice Wondra, Del Wondra; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Pamela, brothers and sisters Leona Batzler, Francis (Elizabeth) Matenaer, Adeline (Edward) Volm and Ralph Matenaer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Arnold (Angeline) Wondra, Edward Wondra, Raymond Wondra, Florence (Wilbur) Gitter, Walter Thimm, Leo (Sally) Wondra and Paul Wondra.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at a later date at Washington County Memorial Park. The family will greet relatives and friends during a period of visitation at the church on Friday from 3 until 5:45 p.m. Military honors service will be performed by the West Bend Veterans Color Guard and Firing Squad.
Masses or memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice.The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. On-line guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.