Obituary of Meta Semitekol

Meta H. Semitekol (nee Hamilton) Age 95, passed away peacefully, January 29, 2014. Meta lived a fulfilling and happy life in Joliet. She was born in Artesian, South Dakota on December 4, 1918 to Robert and Marie (nee Watznauer) Hamilton. At the age of 18 she left the family farm, moved to Joliet, attended JJC, and worked for her uncle, Dr. H. Wadsworth, where she met her husband, John Semitekol, whom she married in 1946. She helped initiate the St. Joe's Gift Shop and the Candy Striper volunteers at St. Joseph Hospital, as well as was the leader of the Jolly-ettes 4-H club. She was a beautiful seamstress and won 1st prize for sewing at the State Fair. She began teaching sewing in her home in 1971 and continued until two years before her death, having patiently taught hundreds of students. Meta was a strong prairie woman with a generous soul and independent spirit. She gave relentlessly, selflessly and silently without ever expecting anything in return. Her creative spark gently nudged your curiosity and filled you with a deep admiration and respect for a woman of such grace and honor. She is made immortal by the many loved ones she has left behind: her children, Kathy (Fred) Nichols, Barbara Semitekol and Mary Fran (Tom) Dempsey; grandchildren, Hannah Nichols, Emily Foster, Audrey Hancock, Bianca Ladipo, Devon Dempsey, Tess Dempsey and Tori Dempsey; five great-grandchildren; brother, John (Nancy) Hamilton; nieces and nephews and many, many sewing students. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Semitekol. Funeral Services for Meta H. Semitekol will be Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Masses in her name would be appreciated. Visitation Friday 3-7 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com