John Meyer
September 8, 1932 ~ January 26, 2016
John P. Meyer, 83, Fargo, died Tuesday at Sanford Palliative Care Fargo
John P. Meyer was born in Karlsruhe, ND on September 8th, 1932 to Tony and Dorothy (Steir) Meyer. At A young age the family moved to Granville, ND where he attended his first nine years of school. One of those years he attended ‘country school’ in a one room school house. In 1948 the family moved to Minot where John graduated from Minot High School.
In January 1951, John was called to active duty with B battery 188th Field Artillery Battalion and the North Dakota Army National Guard. After his basic training he was sent to Korea and served as a Forward Observer with the 31st F A BN., and as a RECON Sgt. with the 17th Inf. REGT., both with the 7th Infantry Division. He received several promotions and at the age of 19 was one of the youngest Section Leaders in the entire division. He was wounded in combat on August 5, 1952. He received a Purple Heart as a result of his wounds. He returned to the United States and was discharged from the Army on October 23, 1952. After his discharge from the Army he managed restaurants in Minot and Williston.
John married Lillian Ronning at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Williston. They moved to Fargo in 1956 and started working for Standard Oil. In 1963 he was recognized as one of ten operators, from an organization of over 33,000, as Outstanding Standard Oil Dealer. He was also selected as Trainer/Dealer to train new Standard Oil service station operators. During his employment with Standard Oil he bought two service stations, both of which were sold in 1966 when he was appointed Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for Cass County.
During his years as VSO he served on the Veteran Service Officers organization as Secretary/Treasurer for 23 years, Vice President for one year, and one year as President. During his lifetime he served as Post Service Officer for the VFW, Adjutant Treasurer for the DAV, Veteran’s Affairs Voluntary Service representative for the American Legion/AM VETS, and State Adjutant for the Catholic War Veterans. As an advisor to the National Alliance of Businessmen, he provided input to assist unemployed, under employed, ex-offenders and Viet Nam era veterans. John was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
John served as Cass County Commissioner from 1996 to 2004. He served on the Cass County Water Resource District, Red River Joint Water Board, and the Fargo Cass County Economic Development Corporation. He held portfolio appointments for Disaster Emergency Services, Jail, Juvenile Detention, Sheriffs Dept, and Cass County Social Service Board. He also served as Chair of the South East North Dakota Counties resolution committee, the North Dakota Association of Counties and as Special Deputy for 23 years. He was a member of the Air National Guard from 1963 to 1984. He worked at Boulger Funeral Home from 1980 to the present. He represented Cass County as a member on the Fair Board.
He enjoyed time spent at Buffalo Lake where he drove the boat teaching well in excess of 100 kids to water ski. His favorite hobbies were playing cards, pinochle, and playing his accordion in the Sons of Norway Accordion Band.
The Meyer family are charter members of Nativity Catholic Church. John was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
John is survived by his wife Lillian; seven children Dale Meyer, Rosemary (Warren) Ackley, Catherine Meyer, Barbara (Lee) Haacke, Karen (Dan) Tehle, Mary (Mark) Hoff, Christine Meyer, 8 brothers and sisters Rosemary (Vernon) Bailey, Towner ND, Kay McCreary, Minot ND, Donald (Sondra) Santa Rosa CA, Gerald Meyer, Great Falls MT, Gary (Bonnie) Fort Peck, MT, Marcella Gehringer, Circle MT, Patricia Bradford, Minot ND and Bobby (Joan) Wolf Point MT., 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren.
John is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joseph, Leander, Jackie, sisters Dorothy and Regina, and grandson Jonathan Day.
There will be visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center on Friday evening. The Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at Nativity Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery North.
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I am your neighbor on the corner of 15th and 20th Ave. Our youngest, Christian, became buddies with John when he would walk home from school. John was a great man and I will miss seeing him during his walks to the corner where he would stand and watch traffic for a while before heading back. Thank you for keeping an eye on our kids and for the kindness you gave. We are sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our prayers during this time of sorrow. John will be greatly missed, but he left many great memories that you will be able to cherish and embrace forever.
I have known John for many years. I first knew him when he helped me get a DD 214 for my husband who passed away unexpected. He became a good friend and one my father thought highly of. He was asked to present the flag to my mom when we lost dad. My daughter,sister and I worked with John in the Fargo VFW. He was a kind man and will be missed by my family and countless others. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Our deepest sympathies to all of your family. John was part of the Zacher family for many many years, and I was blest with knowing many of them including Rose from Granville as I lived in Towner for many years, also work along side some of Rose’s boys when they worked for my dad Gerald Meyer in Towner. God has a wonderful addition to his realm this day. God speed Wanda and Allen
lillian and family, so sorry to read of john’s passing. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. of course matt and i will miss john as he was such an important part of the nativity church family. may he rest in peace.
matt & sharon wolf
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! John was very loved by all of us!
Love Tony, Tana, Tyler and Tucker
Lillian and family- My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. John was a wonderful person and greatly admired. We worked together for many years at Cass County where he served as the Veteran’s Service Officer, and later as a Cass County Commissioner. I regret I am unable to attend the service, as I am wintering in Florida. May the memories you cherish sustain you as you celebrate his life and legacy.
Bonnie Johnson
Former Cass County Administrator
I have so many wonderful memories with the Meyer family. Spending time at the cabin in Montana or the lake, fishing, watching the men hunt; loving all of them like my own family. John was an exceptional man and a great role model. I will never forget him. My prayers for the whole family.
Cathy, it is with great respect for your father and sympathy for you and your family that I write to you. Your father was a great man and I salute his memory. Millie Penuel
I haven’t seen John for many years, his brother Joe was my stepfather. I remember when I was a kid we would visit John and Lillian every year for many years. I quit going with my parents when I was around 15 or so cause who wants to go on vacation with their parents? I liked John way back then and I’m sure if I had kept in touch with John we would have been great friends he was a great guy as I recall and had a pretty good sense of humor. When I heard of John’s passing it made me very sad and my thoughts went back 50 years when we were all a lot younger and some of the times my family and I would go to Fargo for a visit. I would like to send my condolences to Lillian and the kids, I will keep you in my prayers and hope you remember the good times. May God bless you and keep you in these hard times.
God Bless you All:
Larry Lucas
Sending the Meyer family my condolences. I was one of those ‘kids’ he pulled behind his speedboat. Fun days at Buffalo Lake. He will be missed!!!
I will always consider John family. Growing up our cabin was next door on Buffalo lake and I was one of the many children that learned how to water ski behind his boat. Later he would be of great help and comfort as my family members passed. He was there for my parents Dennis and Marie Jones, my grandparents Patsy and Chuck Jones and my aunt Shelia Kummeth. My sincere condolences to Lillian, Dale, Kathy, Barb, Karen, Mary and Chris. We will miss him greatly.
I’ve known John for many years. I’m amazed at how busy he was. Seeing him as a fellow Happy Hooligan, Veteran’s Service Officer, and his work at Boulger’s. He was always a class act and you just couldn’t find a nicer man. He will be missed by many. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
The hardest loss is one you don’t expect. John told me just recently that he was ready to see his maker. I chided him saying that, there was still so much for him tot give and share. I got to know John in the Christ Renews, he gave and shared with me. God blessed me through John. John and I will have to that procrastinators cup of coffee in heaven, if John can pull me up. I will miss him and his smile at early morning mass.
John was a good man. I knew him at the Air Guard. He will be missed.
Sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man and I had many good memories of talking to him in his role as Veteran’s Service Officer and his involvement when the U.S. military returned remains of MIA soldiers. Memorable discussions and a smile when we would run into one another at events or on the street. I was proud to call him a friend.
Don Haney
Fargo
John Meyer aka dad to many of us…..great family friend to all of the Jones family. Neighbor at Buffalo lake, yes he taught many of us to water ski, such wonderful childhood memories! My love and hugs to Lillian and all the family! RIP John Meyer, God love you.
I was happy to have spent time with John and Lillian last summer. The stories we shared brought back many wonderful memories. He was like a Dad to me and I will alway be great full for his kindness. He and Lillian have always been special to me. My deepest sympathies. Jeff
I WORKED WITH JOHN FOR MANY YEARS, I AM RETIRED VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER, MCINTOSH COUNTY ND, WHEN ATTENDING A CONFERENCE, I ALWAYS HAD MY WIFE WITH ME. WE GOT TO KNOW JOHN, HE MADE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO MAKE MY WIFE FEEL AT HOME DURING THE CONFERENCE. HE WAS A VERY CARING INDIVUDUAL AS HAS BEEN PROVEN BY THE VETERANS HE SERVED. HE WAS A SPECIAL FRIEND TO A LOT OF THE VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS THRU OUT NORTH DAKOTA AND WESTERN MINNESOTA. FOLKS LIKE HIM ARE HARD TO REPLACE. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
What can one say about a man that ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE! I knew John through the Fargo VFW Post #762 and the Auxiliary! John was ALWAYS willing to help me do a little research when we had someone that wanted to join the Auxiliary and had some questions. John also ALWAYS made you smile before marching in a parade with the honor guards; even during those cold winter Holiday of Lights Parades you knew you could depend on him to tell you a joke, make you laugh and NOT think about how cold it was. He was a great supporter of the VFW Post #762 Auxiliary and we will never forget that! Heaven opened up the door and let another one of our HEROS in this week! John you will be missed but never forgotten. Rest In Peace my friend and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
My prayers to John’s family on his passing. He was the kind person. I knew him from the Standard Station, fixing my bicycle tires. 🙂 Even told my kids at a resent funeral that he repaired my flats so much that the only thing left on that inner tube was patches 🙂
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Ron
We will always have fond memories of John walking Chippewa shores, always stopping for a visit.
Our sincerest condolences
Rod & Carol
John was a good kind man who cared about people. I’ll never forget his friendship toward the Jones family
at Buffalo lake. He will be missed. My prayers for Lillian and all the family.
I was so sorry to read of John’s passing. No nicer man has ever lived. He will be sincerely missed by many.
Lillian & family,
So sorry to hear about John. He will certainly be missed, especially around Nativity. Bless you all.
Love & Prayers,
Ron & Marlene Hoffart
Although I din”t know john like other members of the family, I new him enough
to know he was a outstanding man. condolences to the family.
Hi Cathy & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great person and I enjoyed visiting with him when I worked with the county. May God bless you at your time of sorrow.
Karen
Dear Meyer Family;
I had the honor of serving in the Air Guard with John and knew him from many other facets of my life. He was a gentleman and honorable man who always had a smile and pleasant greeting. He will truly be missed!
Brenda and I are out in Hawaii and will be unable to attend the services, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we know John has found peace with his Lord. God bless!
Lillian and family: I was so surprised and saddened to read this. John was a very nice man and I always enjoyed speaking with him. You have my sympathies.
Deb Arends Pedersen
John and Lil became our good friends and neighbors in 1960 and have considerd them energetic pillars in our community. John will be sorely missed.
Lillian and family, you have our sympathy. We are sorry we will not be able to attend the funeral, as we are in Arizona until April John was such a special person, he will be missed by all.
Dave and Jenny
Lillian and family, Please, please know of my deep love and prayers for you during this time. John was one of the very best people I have ever met in my life. His kindness and concern for others was always evident and inspiring. He was such a good friend to the Zachers that we considered him FAMILY! I’ll never forget how difficult it was for him to present the flag to my parents when my brother Billy died. 10 short years later when he presented my Dads flag to my mom, he told my mom that it was the most difficult presentation that he ever had to do. My heart became a little sad when I read about John’s death… but then it burst with joy! I believe John is united with God whom he loved so much! May God comfort you, Lillian, this day and always.
~Mary Jo Zacher
Your family is in our prayers. Love and Hugs to all of you, Aunt Lillian, Dale, Rosemary, Cathy, Barbara, Karen, Mary, Christine and all of your families. May your many and wonderful memories help you through this.
Sorry for the loss of John. I knew him thur the fair board and he was always so kind and just a wonderful person.. May God hold him in his hands and give him peace. .
Sending all my love and warm hugs to you, heartbroken that I won’t be able to be there. Uncle John was an amazing man with a giant heart,I will miss him greatly. Love you Aunt Lillian.
All my thoughts, prayers and love to the entire Meyer family. Koren anything you need please let me know. Michele
Meyer Family – I am so very sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for you all .
Shannon
So sorry for your loss. John took me under his Wing when I was a brand new Hooligan in 1981. His mentorship and wisdom helped set a standard of leadership for me.
Lillian and family,
So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
I worked at Boulger with John during the late 90’s. As a youngster, John treated me with the utmost respect and taught me the ropes of working within the funeral home and churches. He was great to talk with and an all around very nice guy. I am sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss He will be missed by many
So sorry for your loss.I am the son of Elizabeth Meyer Schaan.John was always fun to visit with.
Lillian and family, I am so sorry for your loss. John was one of my veteran “heroes”, not only for everything he did to help the area veterans, but also for what he did to help their families. He helped my mom with her dealings with the VA when my dad passed away and he was there to help me when my mom passed away. Always felt like we were all just part of the family when we were growing up. I am Beth Fischer’s niece and there were lots of memories from growing up. 🙂 Welcome to Heaven John! You will be missed until we see you again.
Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss of such a kind and gentle soul. I met John at my daughter’s Dads funeral. I was very upset and he took me in (as a lost child) with his kindness and comfort. He was always in my heart after that day. Then months later I would take my daughter trick or treating. Oh my gosh here at this house lives this kind man that I have thought about so many times. He would see me walking my dog and wave with a big smile!! I was talking one day about this kind man and Kristen said that is MY DAD!! Boy did I smile!
Wow! What a friend to the Jones family. Our parents Clarice and Charles depended on John and Lillian for so many things over the years, that they cannot be counted. John assisted our father in obtaining his veteran benefits and many other things. John was our “unpaid family lawyer”. John was a fishing companion to brother Dennis and father Charles. And while they were fishing, Lillian was a great companion to Clarice and sisters Mary Beth, Sheila, Marie and Peggy. The Jones family sends its condolences to Lillian and family. Nick Jones, Raquel and Martin
Kathy and I served with John in the NDANG for many years. During those years with the Happy Hooligans I found John to be one of the most sincere and dedicated men I have known. He truly cared for his fellow veterans and worked hard on their behalf.
Kathy has many fond memories of her years working with John at Boulghers Funeral home.
We have lost one of the great ones, he will be missed.
Lyle & Kathy Andvik
We enjoyed the time spent with John in the Kringen Accordion band. When Marilyn was asked to start the band, we were surprised the number of people interested in one. John was one who was interested right away. John was a good booster of the band from the beginning. John and Jerral became good friends early. His passing so suddenly was a shock. He said many times that he was ready to go, and to go so quickly spares a lot of suffering. We express our condolences to the family, and especially to Lilian who will miss John the most.
I am so sorry for your loss Lillian.I would like you to know that you and John are very special to me and I will always treasure the friendship .
It is never easy to say good bye but we all knew someday soon or later in the future we too must leave this earth behind. Even though we are gone we are never forgotten by those that we have influenced in some small measure.
He will be missed greatly by all those that knew him and those that he influenced .
My grandparents and I met John when he was on the board. There were some issues like irrigation or water and so John came out and helped resolve those issues. From that point on he was a dear friend . I will never forget all the times that I have gone to Boulgers for funerals of friends and family and those that I go to church with; it was always wonderful to see him there. When the time came for my grandpa’s funeral he was the one who gave the flag to my grandma and I can never thank him enough for helping a bit with the military part of the service.
Thank you !
Even though you have left John you will never be forgotten !
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We are thinking of you all
at this time. We are in Arizona so can not attend the funeral.
Wes and Vivian
I love and respect all of my aunt’s and uncles. I’m very blessed to be part of the Meyer family.
I knew John since early-mid 70’s when I returned to Fargo from the Air Force when he was the Cass County VSO. Then reconnected when I joined the Happy Hooligans, NDANG. What a great man. Always had a smile on his face! Ran into him many times since…..unfortunately at many funerals when he was working for Boulger’s. The Fargo community will miss him. Dwight Olson
Lillian, I am so sorry to learn of John’s death. I will always remember him as a kind and caring person who was interested in helping the less fortunate.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Regards,
Tom Meyer