Joseph Albert "Joe" Matejka

1934 - 2022

RAVENNA - Joseph A. "Joe" Matejka, 88, of Ravenna, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at St. John's Center in Kearney.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Ravenna. Pastors Chuck Squier and Darrell Holzinger will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church. Online condolences can be directed to www.rasmussenfh.com
Joseph Albert Matejka was born June 26, 1934, in Sherman County to Joe and Florence (Acker) Matejka. He attended grade school in Sherman County and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1952.
On Dec. 8, 1954, he married Elmerna Stutzman in Grand Island. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1955. While in the service, he and Merna lived at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
After serving in the Army he farmed in Sherman County for six years. He then sold tools for Snap-On and Cornwell until retirement. He and Merna then became winter Texans, traveling to Aransas Pass for 18 years. He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing and spending time at their cabin at Sherman Reservoir.
Joe was a member of the Ravenna Lions Club, Ravenna United Methodist Church, Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years, and was instrumental in starting the Ravenna ambulance and EMT service and serving for 20 years.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Elmerna; two daughters, Cyndy (Ken) Stittle and JoEllen Russell; a son, Fred (Kim) Matejka; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; and a sister, Shirley Chramosta.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Ron Russell; and brother-in-law, Jim Chramosta.
Memorials are suggested to the church.