John Meyer

John Meyer

 

 

John Charles Meyer, 83, completed his Baptismal journey in the early morning of Nov. 3, 2017, stepping into the arms of Jesus while in loving care at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa. Though John lost his 21-year battle with cancer, his spirit lives eternally.

John Charles Meyer was born June 18, 1934 in Ossian, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Ethel (Schutte) Meyer. 

He graduated from Ossian High School in 1952, and went on to marry his sweetheart, Elaine Lois Groth, July 4, 1954 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville.

John began a 20-year career in the United States Air Force in October of 1954. He served four years enlisted prior to attending Wartburg College in Waverly, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in German. 

Shortly following graduation, John returned to the Air Force, completing Officer Training School, and retired a Major on Dec. 1, 1978. Serving his country for 20 years, John's assignments took him, his bride, and growing family around the United States and the world, including Germany, Japan, Okinawa, Iceland, Colorado, Montana, Mississippi, Texas, and Indiana. John also served a tour of duty in Vietnam.

After serving his country as an airman, John returned to Iowa to serve the Lord and his community, first as the administrator of the Postville Community Hospital, Postville, for eight years, and then as the administrator of the Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood, for nine years, until retiring from professional service June 30, 1999.

In retirement John and Elaine enjoyed traveling together for 18 years, visiting friends and relatives, and supporting their many philanthropic causes. 

John was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Northwood, the Northwood Lions Club, and Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779, Northwood.

John was admired by the many people whose lives he touched. 

His memory will be cherished by those who knew him, including his wife of 63 years, Elaine (Groth) Meyer; his five children, John Dennis Meyer of Springfield, Ore., Laverne Bruce Meyer (Carol) of Elgin, Rebecca Lynn Trump of Denver, Colo., Elizabeth Ann Billmeyer (Jack) of Postville, and Anneliese Kay Schneider (David) of Golden, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters and two brothers; many nieces and nephews, other extended family members, and countless friends. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Ethel Meyer.

Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2017, at the Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 First Ave. South, Northwood, Iowa, and at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at the First Lutheran Church, 309 North 9th Street, Northwood, Iowa, with the Reverend Barbara Wills officiating. 

Military honors will be conducted at the church Saturday by members of Our Buddies VFW Memorial Post 6779, Northwood, and members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard. 

Burial will follow in the Postville Cemetery, Postville.

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