AUBURN — Fernand R. Mathieu, 88, a long-time resident of Lemont Avenue in Lewiston, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Hospice House following a long illness with his family by his side.

He was born in Lewiston, June 8, 1924, the son of Jean and Lillian (Ayotte) Mathieu.

Fern was a U.S. Army veteran of the China-Burma-India campaign during World War II. Following the war, Fern was employed 25 years for Swift Meat Co. and for 17 years was employed with Fulton Meat Packaging in Boston until his retirement.

He was a member of Holy Family Church, 4th Degree Wallace Assembly, and Knights of Columbus Council 106, the Franco-American Veterans. He was a registered Master Maine Guide who was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting fishing and the great outdoors. His favorite spot in the outdoors was Pierce Pond in the Bigelow Range of Somerset County.

Survivors include his wife, the former Rita T. Fournier, of Lewiston whom he married Oct. 5, 1946; three sons, Richard J. Mathieu and wife, Patricia, of Lewiston, Raymond G. Mathieu of Lisbon and Robert “Bob” Mathieu and wife, Linda, of Lewiston; one daughter, Suzanne P. Turgeon and husband, Allan, of Auburn; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.