Obituary of Joan Ellen Matejka
Joan Ellen Matejka
(nee Jaeger)
Joan Ellen Matejka, passed away at the age of 75, on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at her home in Shorewood surrounded by the love of her family. Joan was born in Chicago, IL, on January 28, 1948, the daughter of the late Carl and Bonnie (nee Schultz) Jaeger. She grew up in Skokie and was a graduate of Regina Dominican High School and furthered her education receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Chicago Teachers College and later, her Master’s Degree from Olivet University. Joan shaped the lives of countess children throughout her four decades of being an educator. She taught at numerous schools before in several cities included St. Mary’s in Park Forest, then later she spent seven years in the role of Principal at St. Mary Nativity School in Joliet before retiring.
After retirement Joan enjoyed spending quality time with her husband traveling. They were fortunate to venture off taking in numerous countries, including several cities in Europe and the Caribbean; they enjoyed being on the open waters while on long cruises, one of her favorites was to Alaska, and they even enjoyed countless road trips throughout the states, always making endless memories. Whether it was heading out to a movie and getting buttered popcorn or seeing a musical or comedy show in Chicago, as long as she was with her husband, it was the perfect date night for her. When it wasn’t alone time with her family, they also spent time going out with friends or getting together monthly to catch up over a game of pinochle with their couple friends.
In her alone time, Joan enjoyed curling up with a good book or finishing a crossword puzzle. Always wanting to challenge herself, Jeopardy became a staple in her house! If it wasn’t the game show, she enjoyed having the Hallmark channel on throughout the day. Above everything, Joan was proud of her family and loved to see her grandkids at sporting events. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Joan is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Wayne W. Matejka; children, Jeff (Sue) Matejka and Colleen (Chris) Rigdon; grandchildren, Brody Squires, twins, Charlotte and Carter Matejka, Addison Rigdon, and Christopher Rigdon, Jr.; her siblings, Phillip Jaeger, Gail (Joseph) Wrzesinski, Jim (Mary) Jaeger, Steve Jaeger, Mary Calabria, Monica (Mike) Lubben, and Patty Jaeger; her brother-in-law, Jim Wilson; and sister-in-law, Gail Jaeger. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
She is preceded by her parents; her siblings, Lynda Jaeger, Chuck Jaeger, and a brotherm Timothy, in infancy; and her sister-in-law, Gloria Wilson.
Funeral Services for Joan Ellen Matejka will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL to St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Foundation would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
