Robert "Bob" William Matheny, Sr.

Bob was welcomed into the arms of his heavenly Father on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 90 years young.

Bob was born in Wauwatosa, WI, on November 12, 1926, to James D. and Edith (Dubrow) Matheny. As a young man, he loved working with/riding horses and dancing up a storm at the local ballroom. At the age of 17, he left home to proudly serve his country during WWII and then during the Korean War. After serving in the Korean War, he returned to Wisconsin and married the love of his life, Gloria Mae (Schmidt) on 12/27/53. She preceded him in death on 9/26/75. The same year that Gloria passed away, Bob lost both of his parents and a brother, but through it all, his faith and love for his children gave him the strength to carry on. Bob was proud to be a Milwaukee policeman for 32 ½ years. He enjoyed the excitement of walking the downtown beat in his early years, working on the harbor patrol, protecting the people of Milwaukee as a patrolman, and his stint with the tactical enforcement squad. He continued to reside in the Milwaukee area until July of 2004 when he moved to DePere, WI, to be closer to his children. Bob was very knowledgeable about his ancestry, enjoyed all aspects of nature (especially taking care of his flowers and watching the birds that frequented his bird feeders), computing, dancing, bike riding, camping, fishing, hunting and marching/playing his drum in the Scottish Band. He was a member of the Emerald Society of Milwaukee, American Legion Post 537 - Milwaukee, Ancient Order of the Hibernians, the free masons, and the Marine Corps League Badger Detachment. Bob loved dogs, especially the ones that were considered family members (Candy, Snookie, Penny, Jake & Buddy). Next to his family, his greatest joy in life was to sing. He enjoyed seeing smiles on the faces of family, friends and strangers as he treated them to a song or two with his beautiful voice – we have no doubt that he touched many lives with his upbeat attitude and incredible gusto for life. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be missed more than words can say.

Bob is survived by his children: Mary (James) Dreweck, Peggy (Wayne) Leibitzke, Anne (Dale) Walker, Sr., and Robert (Teresa) W. Matheny, Jr., 12 grandchildren: Zachary (Stacy) Dreweck, Kate (Ben) Schauer, Ian & Camaren Leibitzke, Kara (Aaron) Buxton, Dale (Jr.), David & Derek Walker, Emily, Megan, Caitlyn & Tanner Matheny and two great-grandchildren: Isla Buxton & Hailey Dreweck. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph (Kay) Matheny, very special friends; Joy, Sally & Jerry, and extended family and friends (old and new).

He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Gloria, parents, in-laws, sister, two brothers and granddaughter, Rebecca Matheny.

A Christian Memorial for Bob will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Ss Edward & Isidore Catholic Church, Flintville, WI. Visitation from 9 – 11 a.m. with a Mass to follow.

Special thanks to the caring and wonderful staff at Bellevue Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice, the staff at the Green Bay Golden Basket, the staff at Mason St. Perkins, and to all of the people who complimented Bob when he sang (most of you were strangers, but your thoughtfulness meant the world to him!) In lieu of flowers, donations to the Bay Area Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.