Robert Matejcek, 86, Owatonna

Farmer, Father, Faithful: Bob Matejcek Remembered

Robert Michael “Bob” Matejcek, age 86, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 5, 2025.

Bob was born to parents Joseph and Mary (Spinler) Matejcek on Aug. 20, 1938, in Owatonna and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1957. He served in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged to help his dad on the family farm.

On Aug. 23, 1969, he married Patricia Langeslag. Carrying on the tradition set by his parents, they settled on the family farm, where they raised eight children, six boys and two girls. Bob raised dairy cows for 30 years until 1998 and continued to farm the land until his retirement.

Bob had an enduring love for the land, and even after retirement, he could often be found selling produce at the local farmer’s markets. Bob enjoyed ice cream, gardening, fishing, playing games with the kids and grandkids, and making maple syrup. He was well known for not letting things go to waste, even going so far as repurposing the old bulk tank for maple syrup production! A devout Catholic and husband, he had many admirable traits that he instilled into all his children.

His memberships included FFA, 4H, and the Medford Knights of Columbus.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; children: Douglas (Tammy), Daniel (fiancée Brenda Lee), Paula Kath, David (Romell), Joshua (Amy), Kristin (Daniel) Minnick, Justin, and James; 14 grandchildren; his siblings: Mary Alice Renchin, Virginia (John) Hanson, Leonard (Mary Lou), Bernadette (Curt) Jensen, and Raymond (Jean).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Joseph; and his sister, Cecelia.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.

There will be a Medford Knights of Columbus Rosary recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Mary’s School. For more information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.megercares.com.