Peter James Matthews

1930 - 2025

Peter James Matthews

December 13, 1930 - July 24, 2025

CHIPPEWA FALLS - Peter James Matthews, 94, passed in peace on July 24, 2025, surrounded by his family in Chippewa Falls, WI.

Before we begin, Pete wanted everyone to know he wasn't perfect and absolutely no one should think he was a saint or even noble, but the most significant thing to remember of his life was that he was just "okay most of the time."

Pete was born December 13, 1930 in Swindon, England. Pete came to the United States in 1951. Shortly after, he was drafted by the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea as a combat engineer. He became a US citizen in 1954. In 1955, he met and married "the most beautiful woman in the world," his wife Mary, and they spent 70 wonderful years together. They raised nine children.

Pete attended Colorado State University and graduated in 1962 with a degree in veterinary medicine. After graduating, he worked for the federal government as head of the animal science lab at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. In 1987, he and Mary moved back to his beloved England, and he attended The Royal Veterinary College at the University of London and was granted a master's degree in Laboratory Animal Science in 1988. He also worked and consulted in the germ-free animal science field.

Pete belonged to St. Cecilia Parish in Ames and Notre Dame Parish in Chippewa Falls. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight and was also on the school board at St. Cecilia.

Pete enjoyed life, simple as that. He had a special love for jokes; his wit and humor brought joy to anyone who knew him. His hilarious stories of growing up in England and his delight in finding the funny in everyday life with his family and friends will always be cherished and remembered.

Pete is survived by his wife, Mary; his children; Ann Cassel (Sonny);Tom (Debra); Catherine Nordlie (Curt); Susan Ackerman (JD); James; John; Peter (Jen); Daniel (Laura); daughter-in-law, Laura Matthews; 33 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; sister, Pauline; sisters in-law, Jane Matthews and Susan Zimmerman (Steve); brother in-law, William Klaes (Char).

He was preceded in death by his son, Paul; great grandson, Albert Ackerman; his parents, Norman Matthews and Elsie Bolton; his brothers, James, Richard, and Stewart Matthews.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Inurnment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Noon on Thursday, July 31 at the church.

Friends and family may express online condolences at www.horanfuneralhome.com.

Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls is assisting the family.