Robert P. “Pat” Matheny age 91 of Clinton passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Park Vista in Camanche. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Prince of Peace Parish. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Monday, June 16th at the Pape Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Pat was born in Chattanooga, TN on October 20, 1933, the son of Robert Grant and Alberta (Gang) Matheny. He received his BS Degree in Science from the University of Tennessee. He served with the US Army and later with the US Air Force National Guard Reserve. Pat married Janice Loewe on September 26, 1959 in Chicago. Janice passed away on July 25, 2005. Pat was the General Manager at K-Mart for years. He was a member of Prince of Peace Church, Amvets Post 28, and the Fulton Country Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Gateway Area Chamber of Commerce; as President of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, as President of St. Mary’s Athletic Booster Club, and was an Ambassador with the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Pat enjoyed dancing, playing poker and was an avid golfer, having scored 4 holes in one, all after the age of 75.
Robert ‘Pat’ Matheny was a spirited man, loved by many for his enthusiasm and tenacity. Those close to him knew well of his affinity for dance and music, avocations well fitting of his vibrant life. Pat was a natural leader, displayed in his longtime management of Kmart, where he directed with kindness, humor, and intelligence. His wittiness never allowed a dull moment, as will be told by his many friends and family members. Also notorious was his competitive spirit, often shown in rounds of golf and poker. He was not one to give up easily, preserving through even the toughest of circumstances.
Pat was unwavering in his commitment to those that he loved, working hard to provide them with the opportunity to succeed. He will forever be remembered in the lives of those he impacted, and his legacy will be carried on through the generations he helped to raise.
Pat is survived by 4 children; Greg (Marj) Matheny of Hartland, WI, Carolyn (Dean) Petersen of Clinton, Chris Matheny of Dousman, WI, and Mike (Michelle) Matheny of Stoughton, WI; a daughter-in-law, Jean Witt Matheny of Clinton; 11 grandchildren, Brett (Michelle) Matheny, Jennifer (Cameron) Schmidt, Jared Matheny, Sarah Petersen, Stephanie Petersen, Alison Petersen, Kyle Matheny, Devin Matheny, Samantha Matheny, Dillon Matheny, and Emily Matheny; 7 great grandchildren; and his partner, Violet Manning-Bopes of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Janice. Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.