Matthew Kohler of Hartford passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee. He was 88 years old.

He was born on Sept. 18, 1923 to Mathias and Theresa (nee Hoffman) Kohler. Matthew was united in marriage to Elvira Gloede on Nov. 21, 1947 at Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford.

He proudly served in The United States Marine Corp. from 1942-46. He worked more than 30 years for American Motors in Milwaukee. He was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church where he and Elvira counted money for 20 years. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and old western movies.

He is survived by; his daughter, Karen (Robert) Bischoff of Hartford; two grandchildren, Heidi Behnke and Daniel (Brenda) Bischoff both of Watertown; eight great grandchildren, Austin, Alexis, Ethan, Haleigh, Alex, Myranda, Marissa and Madalyn; two sisters in-law, Alice Stefan of Markesan, and Dorothy Handel of West Bend; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Fetkenhauer of Hartford, Anne Kaye of Pittsville, Robert (Rosie) Wenninger of Hartford, Robert (Betty) Schaefer of Mayville, William Sturm of Marshfield, and Walter (Virginia) Kohler of Germantown.

Matthew is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years Elvira, parents, two sisters in-law and four brothers in-law, Edna (Joe) Meyer, Irene (John) Rehberg, George Handel and Robert Stefan, his brothers and sisters, Steve (Sylvia) Kohler, Theresa (Robert) Raasch, Dorothy (Wallace) Margelowsky, Frank Kohler, Joan Sturm, William Fetkenhauer, Kenneth Kaye, Tony Kohler, and Harold (Helen) Hackbarth and Mathias Kohler.

Funeral Services for Matthew will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at 3 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Hartford with Rev. Aaron Steinbrenner officiating. Visitation at the church only on Thursday from noon-3 p.m.

Interment with military honors Thursday, Jan. 5 at 4 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family, 673-9500, www.shimonfuneralhome.com.