Doris Norma Matejka

Doris Norma (Shelstad) Matejka

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Doris Matejka on October 12, 2024.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, relative and friend.

“Dorie” was born on October 16, 1933, on the family farm in rural Stevens County, Minnesota, to Martin and Inga (Kleppe) Shelstad. Her Elementary Education was in rural country schools and then she went on to Alberta High School graduating in 1951 as class Valedictorian. Doris attended Moorhead State University and graduated with her Teaching Degree. Later in life, she received her Masters Degree in Special Education and Certification in Learning Disabilities. 

Doris was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Glenn Matejka, on June 6th, 1954, sharing 66 amazing years together until Glenn’s passing in 2020. They became parents to Steve, Laurie, and Mike early in their teaching careers. Glenn and Doris thoroughly enjoyed children. They shared their enthusiasm for education in Wheaton, Hawley, Herman, Circle Pines, Eveleth, and Hutchinson not only with their own children, but also with the many students lives that they touched. Upon retirement, they moved to Big Chippewa Lake in Brandon, MN. After Glenn’s passing, Doris moved to Woodbury, MN, to be closer to her children.

Family was very important to Dorie. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family gave her much joy. Time spent with them was greatly cherished. Traveling was a hobby, first as a family with her own children, and later in life, sightseeing with her Grandsons. Birding, fishing, reading, Church Circles and Bible Study occupied her spare time during retirement.

Doris’s generosity was unmatched. Over the years, we have learned not only how many people she helped silently, but the lasting impression her kindness has left. Doris loved to do volunteer work at her churches or as a Remedial Reading Teacher at the Lino Lake’s Treatment and Diagnostics Center, to name only a few. Her faith in God was the cornerstone of her existence. Her life was a living example of her faith, and she served as a model of devotion and compassion to her family and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn; her parents; sisters Bernice (Harold) Grams and Shirley (Floyd) Byman; brothers Maynard (Betty) Shelstad, and Eldon Shelstad; and special extended family members.

Doris is survived by her children Steve (Cindy) Matejka, Laurie (Rick) Krischel, Mike (Jane) Matejka; Grandchildren Joe (Karrie) Matejka, Matt (Melissa) Matejka, Tommy (Emily) Matejka, Jake Krischel, and Rachel, Lindsey, and Nick Lokken; Great Grandsons Ollie and Max Matejka, Liam Lokken-Malich; sister Arlene (Richard) Knutson; and numerous nieces, nephews, special in-laws, and friends. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous care Doris received. First at Grand Arbor in Alexandria and then at Stonecrest in Woodbury. Also, to Optage Hospice, for their compassionate and tender care. You all have a special place in our hearts.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 11 AM at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, with a visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.

In lieu of memorials, please consider making a donation, in Doris’s name, to a school or charity of your choice.