Rodger Steve Matthijetz

Rodger Steve Matthijetz, 70, of Ledbetter, died the evening of Sunday, June 26, 2016 at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. Rodger was born on Sept. 17, 1945 in Houston to Wilbert Henry Matthijetz and Ruby Lee (Stephan) Matthijetz. He grew up in Houston and graduated from Lamar High School. He was united in marriage with Janet Muckleroy on Jan. 25, 1969 in Houston. Rodger received his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science Degrees from Sam Houston State University. He was employed as a middle school science teacher with La Grange I.S.D. for 38 years. He was a member of the Fayette County Farm Bureau, the Texas State Teachers Association and Round Top Sons of Hermann Lodge. Rodger was also a longtime member of the Ledbetter Volunteer Fire Department and made beans for the Ledbetter Firemen’s Feast and the Ledbetter Homecoming for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Rodger could usually be found tinkering on projects around the house or searching for items that he could repurpose from garage and estate sales. Rodger was preceded in death by his father, Wilbert “Whip” Matthijetz. He is survived by his wife, Jan Matthijetz of Ledbetter; his two daughters, Cindy Matthijetz of Ledbetter and Wendi Matthijetz of Round Top; his mother and step-father, Ruby Lee and Tom Lowery of Ledbetter; his uncle, Hugo Matthijetz of La Grange; four aunts, Edna Kessel of La Grange, Laura Matthijetz of Winchester, Lillie Dillard of La Grange and Marie Kilian of La Grange and his brother-in-law, Jack and Vera Muckleroy of Marion. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Friday, July 1, 2016 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the Ledbetter Cemetery in Ledbetter. Memorials may be made to the Ledbetter Vounteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 213, Ledbetter, Texas 78946 or the charity of one’s choice. Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings is in charge of arrangements.