Matthew R. Shetka, age 54, of New Prague, died suddenly while shoveling snow on December 9, 2012. Matt was born Oct. 8, 1958 in St. Paul, to Ron & JoAnn (Anderson) Shetka.  He graduated from Highland Park High School and Bemidji State University and then eventually completed his Master’s from Minnesota State University Mankato.  Matt taught Social Studies in the New Prague Middle School; he coached varsity gymnastics and golf, middle school volleyball and softball, and youth baseball.  He also worked at the New Prague Golf Club.  During his 33 years of coaching gymnastics, Matt won three state championships and finished as a runner-up seven times.  He coached the girls’ golf team to a pair of state titles as well.  Matt was a member of the New Prague Education Association, was in the Minnesota State High School Hall of Fame and was chosen as the State Coach of the Year in Gymnastics on two occasions.  Matt was a proud father of four, a loving husband, and he loved to play golf, hunt, and read.

Matt is survived by wife, Meg, of New Prague; sons, Dan & Geri Nelson of New Prague, Andy (& Robin) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Aaron & Danielle Busch of New Prague, Zack of New Prague; father, Ron Shetka of Pine River; sisters, Jodie (& Lanny) Spencer of Pine River, Julie Griffith of Pine River; brother, Mike (& Katie) Shetka of Pine River; mother-in-law, Janet Boehlke of Roseville.  He is preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Shetka; step-mother, Annette Shetka; brother-in-law, Marty Griffith; father-in-law, Willis Boehlke.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague with  Pastor Steve Trewartha of FaithPoint Lutheran Church officiating.  Visitation will be at Bruzek Funeral Home on Friday, December 14 from 4 – 8 PM and on Saturday from 7:30 – 9:30 AM.  Lunch will follow the service at the Park Ballroom.  Food may be dropped off at the Park Ballroom beginning at 8 AM on Saturday morning.