Leroy W. Meier, age 79, passed away on 29 September, 2012 at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill, Wisconsin.
Leroy was born 18 April, 1933 to Henry C. and Alma (Krueger) Meier, in the Town of Scott (Merrill), Wisconsin. Leroy married Nancy L. Nugent, 3 January, 1953. Leroy was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill, attended St. John Grade School and was a graduate of Merrill High School. He served in the U.S. Army, 1954-56, and was posted for 18 months on Okinawa Island. Leroy served as an usher and member of the Board of Trustees of St. John Lutheran Church; a lifetime member of VFW Post #1638; a member of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors from 1974- 1978; a past member of Local # 432, Plumbers & Pipefitters Union; served as Emergency Fire Warden for the Town of Scott for 35 years. Leroy worked on numerous area construction projects as a Journeyman plumber and steamfitter, was the Maintenance Supervisor for the Wisconsin Dept. of Corrections assigned to the Northern Camp System and later transferred to Lincoln Hills, retiring after ten years of service. Following his retirement in 1997, Leroy worked part time at various businesses. His favorite job was working at Merrill Ace Hardware where he was able to do what he loved most, talking with customers and being able to help them with their plumbing and electrical needs.
Leroy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy; four children, Melissa (Ronald) Schroeder, Elizabeth “Betsy” Wiesneski and David (Donna) Meier all of Merrill and Steven (Miriam Klevan) Meier of Chicago. He is further survived by 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, sister Marilyn (Wm.) Popp of Beaver Dam and brothers, David Meier, Milwaukee and Kenneth (Faye) Meier of Merrill and two sisters-in-law, Willa Meier of Lenexa, Kansas and Joan Meier of Sebring, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alma (Krueger) Meier, son-in-law, Mark Wiesneski, sister, Elinore Meier Pierce, brothers, Robert, John, William and Ralph Meier.
Some of the greatest loves of Leroy’s life were his love of his land, especially the “Meier’s Point” picnic area on the banks of the Wisconsin River and the wooded paths which he kept mowed through last summer, love of his grandchildren, especially his seven granddaughters and his love of work which was actually his “hobby”.
Leroy was an avid admirer of President Bill and Hilary Clinton, and would refer to President Clinton as “Billy Boy”. If he knew that either of them would be on television, he would make every effort to watch them, even though in his later years he didn’t always understand what was being said because of his stroke.
Leroy was a “flirt”; he loved to wink at young ladies and was inclined to greet them with “hi honey”, especially the staff in the North Wing and Special Care Unit at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
A special warm and heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Pine Crest particularly those in the Special Care Unit. Their care and compassion for both Leroy and me will never be forgotten. And to Pastor Szeto, thank you and may God bless you and your family.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. David Szeto will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F. W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at the church.
The Meier Family suggests that memorials be directed to St. John Lutheran Church or School; Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services; the Merrill Historical Society; Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638; or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com