Harold Edward Matter

Harold “Harry” Edward Matter, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at his home in Rancho Cordova, CA. 

Harry was born September 24, 1934 in Menomonie, WI, to parents Joseph and Dorothy Matter. He was the middle child of five, preceded by his older sister Clara and brother James, and followed in birth by his younger brothers, Donald and Richard. In that bustling household, Harry developed his strong sense of loyalty and also a healthy competitive streak, as he struggled for his piece of the pie, literally. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the 8th grade, followed by Menomonie High School. He graduated in 1952. Harry grew up and married the girl next door, the love of his life, Carol Peterson. 

In 1954, Harry got ahead of the draft, and enlisted in the United States Army. The military trained him in bridge demolition; however, when posted, he served as an armed mail carrier, stationed in Germany. He enjoyed sight-seeing in his downtime in Germany and France. 

Upon his discharge from the Army in 1956, Harry attended the University of Wisconsin - Stout. While enrolled in college, Harry worked at Berg’s Chevrolet with his father. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. 

After graduation, he worked briefly in Minneapolis, MN at the employment development department until Carol’s family decided to relocate to California. Harry followed shortly behind. 

Harry began his career working for Chevron Corporation, at their Richmond refinery, in 1965. He worked as a Quality Control Inspector until his retirement in 1992. He just couldn’t stay away, so he went back and worked at the Chevron refinery as an independent contractor for a few additional years, before retiring for good. 

Harry Matter and Carol Peterson joined in holy matrimony in 1966. They had one daughter, Julie. The Matter family settled down in El Sobrante, CA, where they remained for many years. When Julie got married and relocated to the Sacramento area after college, Harry and Carol moved to Dixon, CA to be closer to Julie and her family. The small town reminded them a lot of Menomonie, WI, but with better weather. 

After Carol’s passing, Harry and Julie’s family decided it would be best to combine households. They all moved to Rancho Cordova, CA, where Harry comfortably spent his final years surrounded by loving family. 

Harry enjoyed keeping up with his grandkids’ activities, talking on the phone with friends and family, watching Westerns on TV, and backyard bird-watching. 

Harry is survived by his daughter Julie and son-in-law Michael Sladen, grandchildren Trevor and Kiera Sladen, brother Richard (Kathleen) Matter, brother-in-law John (Lynette) Peterson as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, friends, classmates, and coworkers. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his parents, his sister Clara Kaiser (Galen Bauer, Edward Kaiser), brother James (Faith) Matter, and brother Donald (Mary) Matter. 

His daughter would like to thank his doctors at Sutter Health, hospice staff at Interim Healthcare, and his caregivers from Comfort Keepers for all of their care and support in facilitating his final wish, to pass peacefully in his home.

There will be a private memorial following interment at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.