Paul F. Matyak

Paul Frank Matyak, 93, formerly of Delia, KS, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Clare Bridge in Topeka. He was born March 18, 1919 on the family farm near Carter, SD, the son of Paul and Marie Lucy (Dolezilek) Matyak. He graduated from Curlew School in South Dakota. After school he worked on the family farm until 1937 when he moved to Delia, KS.

When he arrived in Delia at the age of 18, he started work as the manager of the Farmers Elevator, which was owned by his uncle, Frank Matyak. In 1939, after moving the rest of the family from South Dakota, Paul's dad purchased the Delia Lumber Co., next to the elevator. Paul became the manager of the lumber yard, working in both of these positions until he was drafted into the U.S. Army on April 20, 1942. His military career took him from Fort Leavenworth, KS to Camp Hood, Texas, to Fort Leonard Wood, MO before he was shipped overseas. His unit embarked to England on September 13, 1944 having served in the European Theater, which took him to Holland and then on to Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge towards the end of the war in 1945. He journeyed back across the ocean on the Queen Mary and arrived in New York City on July 2, 1945, returning to Delia, KS on July 11, 1945 (which was just two weeks before his wedding). Paul was honorably discharged from the Army at San Luis Obispo, CA on October 21, 1945. His military awards included the American Service Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Paul married Genevieve C. Grace on July 26, 1945 in Delia, KS. In that same year, Paul and Genevieve bought their first home and a building on Main Street in Delia, where he started his business, "Matyak's Garage". Paul and Genevieve were married 51 years and raised six children: Paul J., Edward, Dorothy, Roxann, Richard, and Monica. He retired from Matyak's Garage in 1990 after 45 years in the business. Paul was a man of the upmost integrity and stuck to his moral grounds no matter the subject. He was not afraid to voice his opinion. Many friends and customers will remember stopping by Matyak's Garage and discussing the news topics of the day. There are many memories of Paul helping neighbors or friends in need, anytime day or night. Paul and Genevieve shared many wonderful memories with friends including dances at the Bohemian Hall, where often their dancing would make others stop and stand back to watch. Paul and Genevieve appreciated their many great memories with their friends of so many years.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve and son, Paul J. in August 1996; his parents; two brothers, Frank and Joe Matyak. He is survived by five children, Ed (Kathy) Matyak, and Dorothy (Eldon) Fastrup of Topeka, Roxie (David) Fath of Tecumseh, Rick (Melody) Matyak of Delia, Monica (Jay) Steiner of Olathe; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Lydia Anderson of Topeka; and many nieces and nephews.

Paul will lie in state from 3-8 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 4:30-6:00 p.m. A graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2013 at Czech-Moravian Cemetery, North of Rossville, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Czech-Moravian Cemetery Association, 14721 NW 86th, Rossville, KS 66533.
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