Keith "Pete" Matthews

Keith Matthews, 85, died peacefully on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was born on August 21, 1935, to Ferdinand Clarence Matthews and Sara Nane (Keith) Matthews in Evanston, Illinois. After graduation from Appleton High School in 1953, he attended the School of Vocational and Adult Education where he earned a degree in Higher Accounting and Business. He then worked for the Appleton Water Department until he took a position with Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent), where he worked for the next 28 years.

In 1960, Keith was united in marriage to Patricia Krablean. They were married for 59 years and were blessed with three children.

Keith was a happy person who loved to stop and chat. Family time was important to him. In his spare time, he enjoyed roller skating, bowling, and camping at Pelican Lake. He was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Neenah, and was involved in church council, religious education and youth group. In addition, he enjoyed many years of volunteering with the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade.

Keith served 42 years in the military reserves: first in the Navy Reserve, then in the Army Reserve, and finally in the National Guard. He retired from the reserves in 1995 with the rank of Platoon Sargent (E7).

He is survived by his wife Patricia; sister Penny (John) Miracle; three children: Daniel (Lori) Matthews, David Matthews and Wendy (Scott) Behling; six grandchildren: Eric (Mandy) Matthews, Stephen Matthews, Benjamin Matthews, Matthew Wiegman, Hannah Behling and Megan Behling; three great-grandchildren: Adalynn Matthews, Ryan Matthews and Lana Matthews. He is further survived his brother-in-law, Frederick (Lin) Krablean; sister-in-law Carol Green, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Century Oaks Assisted Living and Theda Care Hospice.

His life will be celebrated in a private service. Keith will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Appleton. The service will be live-streamed at 12:00 PM on Monday, January 11, 2021 and can be accessed right here via Keith’s obituary page.