Donna Lorene (Knox) Matejka passed away peacefully, at home, on May 15th
2023 at the age of 96. Donna was born on April 5th 1927 to Virgil and Philora
(Strong) Knox in the small town of Dixon South Dakota, the third of six children.
She attended elementary school in Dixon and high school in the nearby town of
Gregory where she met her future husband, Larry. Upon graduation, Donna
began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse where she taught grades
one through twelve all at the same time. In 1950, Donna and Larry were married
and moved to Sioux Falls South Dakota where their three children, Steven,
Kenton and David were born, Larry was employed with International Harvester
Co. and transfers took the family to Houston Texas and the Chicago suburb of
Naperville. In Naperville, Donna began her career as an artist and excelled in
several mediums including watercolor, sculpting and porcelain painting. Donna
was an amazingly gifted artist and the creations she leaves us are a testament to
her artistic talents. In 1974,at the age of 47,Donna received her Bachelor of Arts
degree from Aurora College. Donna and Larry relocated to Flagstaff in 1992
where Donna continued with her artwork at a retired pace. She and Larry traveled
extensively including most of the European countries, Caribbean islands, several
Central American countries as well as many other destinations. A life well lived.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, son David and
husband Lawrence. She is survived by sons Steve (Nancy Lee) Pennington NJ
and Kent (Kathy), Flagstaff. Grandchildren Ryan (Jessica) Matejka, their children
Brianna and Vincent, Andrew Matejka, Michael (Olivia) Matejka, David K.
Matejka, Alexis Matejka and fiance Ryan Lagomarsino, David L. Matejka and
Daniel Matejka. Mom/Grandma will be missed by all and will forever remain in
our hearts. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 20th, 2:00pm at Norvel
Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff Arizona, with viewing from 1:00 - 1:50pm