Ted A. Matya, age 91, of Mitchell, died November 2, 2015 from complications of Parkinson's disease. The Funeral Mass for the repose of the soul of Ted Matya will be prayed on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 10:30 AM at the Holy Family Catholic Church, blessed be his memory. Visitation will be 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Will Funeral Chapel with a 7:00 PM prayer service. Burial will be at the Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery with Military Rites. Ted A. Matya was born on February 18, 1924 to Joseph and Catherine (Chochon) Matya at Tarnov, Nebraska. He attended Columbus school and graduated in 1941. He worked for Swift & Co and the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1943, he was one of the 1st 18 year olds to be drafted into the Army. He was sent to Camp Polk, LA where the 8th Armored Division was formed and was assigned to the 88th Calvary Reconnaissance "Troop A." After basic training, the Division was sent to the European Theatre of Operation. He received 4 Battle Stars including Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged in January 1946. Ted returned to Columbus, Nebraska and worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. On September 24, 1946 he married Helen Gable, daughter of Frank and Marie Gable, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelby, Nebraska. They lived in Columbus, Nebraska where he was employed by the Loup River Power House as an operator. In 1957, he took a job with the US Army Corps of Engineers of Omaha, and worked at Fort Randall Powerhouse at Pickstown, SD as an electrician, and later as an operator. In 1969, he transferred to the Portland, Oregon District and worked at John Day and The Dalles Powerhouse. In 1977, he transferred to the Foster Powerhouse at Sweet Home, Oregon. In 1985, he retired after 31 years of service with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1986, Ted and Helen moved to Mitchell, SD. He spent many days at the Austerman's helping with livestock, planting, and harvesting. His grandsons spent a lot of hours in the tractor with grandpa. He also enjoyed pheasant, waterfowl, and deer hunting with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and the NARFE. Ted is survived by his wife, Helen of Mitchell, SD; 4 daughters Linda (Lynn) Hansen of Sioux Falls, SD, Kathleen (Bill) Austerman of Artesian, SD, Colleen (Ken) Duncan of The Dalles, OR, and Deborah Matya of Portland, OR; 5 grandchildren, Cory (Margaret) Hansen of Kansas City, KS, Cindy Hansen of Kansas City, MO, Ted (Amanda) Austerman of Howard, SD, Phillip (Rachel) of Austerman of Artesian, SD, and Vince (Stephanie) Austerman of Howard, SD; great-grandson, Luke Austerman, of Howard, SD; and 2 sisters, Tillie Kubicek of Columbus, NE and JoAnn Peitzmeier of Omaha, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, and sisters, Nora Bernt and Norma Corlett. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.