Retired Master Sgt. Mathew Veitenheimer passed away May 17, 2006, at the age of 84.

He was born on November 6, 1921, the son of Peter Paul and Grace Mae Veitenheimer in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, where he grew up and went to school.

Mathew took part in five campaigns in Europe during World War II and in six campaigns during the Korean War. After twenty years of service he retired having been awarded four Silver Stars for bravery, the Bronze Star Medal with V-device, a Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, and Combat Infantry Badge with star.

In 1963 he came to Pacific Grove where he raised his family and worked as an engineer at Fort Ord while attending college. He then entered the real estate market.

Matt was a tribal member of the Potawatomie Nation, was a past president of the Lion's Club of Seaside, California and a member for many years, devoting his time to volunteering.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by Hisako, his wife of fifty one years; his children, Matthew, Jr. {Alicia} Veitenheimer of Marina; Judy {Terry] White of Oregon; Hilda {Brian} Johnson of Monterey, California; Donna {Paul} DeVincenzi of Pleasanton, California; and Gary {Elizabeth} Veitenheimer of Seaside, California.

He has ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, William, Peter II, Emmit and sister, Violet Jean.

A graveside service was held Friday, May 26, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Ave., Seaside, California.

The family requests that memorial contributions be sent to The Alzheimer's Association of the Monterey Peninsula, 182 El Dorado, Monterey, CA 93940.