Wilbur Matejcek

Wilbur F. Matejcek, 88, Wahpeton, ND, passed away Monday, May 26, 2014, at his home in Wahpeton, just minutes from when his son, David passed away, also under the care of Riveredge Hospice. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, 2:00 PM at St. John's Catholic Church, Wahpeton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 PM to 8 PM with a 7 PM Prayer Vigil, followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary. There will also be visitation one hour before the service on Friday, all at St. John's Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery Wahpeton. Arrangements have been entrusted with Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Wilbur Francis "Willie" was born November 17, 1925 in Wahpeton, ND, the son of Joseph and Anna (Gebhart) Matejcek. He attended grade school at Summit No. 4 and graduated from Fairmount High School in 1942. He started helping at his parent's farm at the age of 16 and began farming himself at 25. He was united in marriage to Marian D. Schirmers on October 4, 1952 at St Michaels Catholic Church in Buckman, MN. The couple lived and farmed south of Wahpeton, raising their seven children. Willie was a substitute mail carrier for 11 years and retired from farming in 1987; moving to Wahpeton in 1996. Marian passed away March 1, 2002. He married Rose Ella Colvert on August 9, 2003 at St John's Church.

Willie was a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church, where he was active as an usher and served on various committees. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 63 years and was an Eagles member for 44 years. He was a township board member as well as a chairman for 20 years, served on the Fairmount Fire District board and also was a member of the Tyler Farmers Elevator Board, serving as their first president. Willie enjoyed golfing, playing cards, bowling and crossword puzzles.

Willie is survived by his wife Rose Ella, Wahpeton; four sons and two daughters: Michael (Kathryn) Matejcek, rural Wahpeton; Robert (Cynthia) Matejcek, rural Wahpeton; Mark (Geralyn) Matejcek, Wahpeton; John (Lori) Matejcek, Wahpeton; Jean Matejcek, Wahpeton; Kathleen, Matejcek, Fargo, ND; a daughter-in-law, Tami Matejcek, rural Wahpeton; twelve grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a brother, Raymond (Doris) Matejcek, Fairmount, ND; a sister, Mary (Gerald) Meyer, Towner, ND; and Rose Ella's children: Shareen Colvert, Sonja (Tim) Kaiser and their three children, and Audra (Paul) McMullen, and their two children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marian, an infant daughter, Linda, his son David, a brother, LeRoy, and a sister, Eleanor Sanger.