Erma Jean (Steinmann) Matejcek, age 85, of Lakota, ND, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Erma was born on August 1, 1940, to Leland and Jean (Thompson) Steinmann in Tolna, ND. She was the oldest of two children. Growing up, she lived in several local communities and had fond memories of Rubin Township. She graduated from Lakota High School in 1958 and later worked at the State Bank of Lakota, where she met Gordon Matejcek. The couple married on December 15, 1961, at Lakota Lutheran Church. They made their home on the family farm near Brocket, where they raised their three children.

Erma was a devoted farm wife who cared deeply for her family and for everyone who worked alongside them. She was an active member of the Brocket Homemakers Club, Brocket United Lutheran Church, WELCA, the Elks Lodge in Devils Lake, the American Legion Auxiliary, and enjoyed playing Bingo, Bunco and cards. Erma always placed the needs of others before her own and found joy in life’s simple moments — watching the crops mature, seeing the seasons change, an occasional casino visit, getting her hair done on Fridays and witnessing both her family and the farm grow through the years.

In 2000, Erma and Gordon moved from the farm to Lakota. Gordon passed away in 2021 after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Erma is survived by her children: Kevin and Kristi (Boucher) Matejcek of Brocket; Kent and Stephanie (Kovarik) Matejcek of Brocket; and Kimberly and Tim Gathman of Kronenwetter, WI. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Karlie (Bradie) Larson, Kamron Matejcek, Karson Matejcek, Morgan (Anthony) Anderson, Cole Matejcek, Ashlyn (Ryan) Russell, and Garrett (Katie) Gathman; great-grandchildren Johann Anderson and Rory Gathman; and two expected great-grandbabies.

She is further survived by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Mayvis Jallo of Phoenix, AZ; Doris and Robbin McMorran of Grand Forks, ND; Larry and Susan Matejcek of Gilbert, AZ; Duncan Wallace of Mesa, AZ; and Nancy Steinmann of Lakota, ND, along with several nieces and nephews.

Erma was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents; her parents-in-law; her brother, Merle Steinmann; her brother-in-law, Sanford Jallo; and her sister-in-law, Karen Wallace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lakota ambulance, Lakota Lutheran church, or Lakota Cemetery.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Lakota Lutheran Church, Lakota, ND, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Lakota Lutheran Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EL9McZe6v/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Burial will be held at the Lakota Cemetery.