Ted A. Matya, 91, of Mitchell, died Nov. 2, 2015, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
The funeral Mass was prayed on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Visitation was Friday, Nov. 6 with a prayer service at the Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial was at the Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery with military rites.
Ted Matya was born on Feb. 18, 1924, to Joseph and Catherine (Chochon) Matya at Tarnov, Neb. He attended Columbus school and graduated in 1941. He worked for Swift & Co. and the Union Pacific Railroad.
In 1943, he was one of the first 18-year-olds to be drafted into the Army. He was sent to Camp Polk, La., where the 8th Armored Division was formed and was assigned to the 88th Calvary Reconnaissance “Troop A.” After basic training, the Division was sent to the European Theatre of Operation. He received four Battle Stars including Battle of the Bulge. Following Ted’s discharge in January 1946, he returned to Columbus, Neb., and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.
On Sept. 24, 1946, Ted married Helen Gable, daughter of Frank and Marie Gable, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelby, Neb. They lived in Columbus, Neb., where he was employed by the Loup River Power House as an operator. In 1957, he took a job with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of Omaha, and worked at Fort Randall Powerhouse at Pickstown as an electrician and later as an operator. In1969, he transferred to the Portland, Ore. District and in 1977 to the Foster Powerhouse at Sweet Home, Ore. In 1985, he retired after 31 years of service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In 1986, Ted and Helen moved to Mitchell. He spent many days at the Austerman’s helping with livestock, planting and harvesting. His grandsons spent a lot of hours in the tractor with their grandpa. He also enjoyed pheasant, waterfowl and deer hunting with family and friends. Ted was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and the NARFE.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Mitchell; four daughters, Linda (Lynn) Hansen of Sioux Falls, Kathleen (Bill) Austerman of Artesian, Colleen (Ken) Duncan of The Dalles, Ore., and Deborah Matya of Portland, Ore.; five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and two sisters, Tillie Kubicek of Columbus, Neb., and JoAnn Peitzmeier of Omaha, Neb.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and sisters, Nora Bernt and Norma Corlett.