Richard R. Meyer Obituary

Richard "Dick" R. Meyer went home to the Lord peacefully on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the age of 78 surrounded by his family. Early on Wednesday, December 6th, Dick expressed to his family that he had lived a great life full of many blessings and was ready to change his permanent address to a spot in heaven. In his last words, he shared that he was grateful for all the love and care he had received from family and friends and that he loved them all very much.

Dick's ability to remain optimistic, positive and steadfast in his faith despite going through any challenges life threw at him, including some serious health issues, were an inspiration to those around him.

Dick was born to Rudolph and Beatrice (nee Domke) Meyer in Marshfield, WI on June 4th, 1945. When he was in 5th grade, his family moved to Edgar, WI where he met his future wife Caroline at St. John's Lutheran Church. Although she was only in grade school at the time, Caroline made the decision that she was going to marry this new boy, even if he wasn't aware of it yet. They were high school sweethearts and married on August 26th, 1967.

His childhood was filled with many adventures and hijinks with family, particularly his siblings and cousins Carl and Jim (who were more like brothers to Dick). They spent a lot of time in the nearby creek, often attempting to set up a dam. They also took an early interest in gardening that led to them dabbling in amateur firefighting.

Dick had a very strong work ethic. In his youth, he was a paperboy, worked at a local cheese factory, and at a lumberyard. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1963. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from UW-Madison in 1968. His career journey was rich and varied, putting him into many roles such as realtor, engineer, consultant, computer programmer, Director of IT Operations, and published author.

What Dick treasured the most in his life were the relationships he created with his family and friends, and his service in the community. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who spent copious amounts of time supporting (and filming) the education, sports, and hobbies of his 5 children and 5 grandchildren. This was often the brightest part of his day. In what spare time he had, Dick was also known for flexing his technical and DIY skills, usually in an effort to help someone else.

Dick was a man of strong, unwavering faith and was an active member at several Lutheran churches throughout his lifetime. He had a knack for creating fellowship among the church community; he sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as an Elder, Head Elder, Vice President, and Church President. In addition, he was a member of the Wausau Jaycees club, running many charitable events, such as the 4th of July festival, parades, haunted houses, and more.

Throughout his life, he remained in contact with family and friends, sharing current family news, a story he remembered from the past, or a joke that he felt needed telling (which was sometimes true). Known for his easy wit and punny sense of humor, and never one to miss an opportunity for a joke, Dick was cracking one-liners to the finish line. When asked if he had any last words of advice, he said "Don't eat yellow snow.".

He was the beloved husband of Caroline (nee Pilgrim) for 56 years. Loving father of Paul (Stephanie), Ethan (Sabrina), Elsa (Jason) Manske, Megan (Juan) Guzman and Morgan (Travis) Shafer. Cherished grandpa of April and Brianne Meyer, Bremen and Pablo Guzman, and Ripley Manske. Dear brother of Elaine (Ken) Lizotte. Brother-in-law of Elaine Meyer, Shirley (John) Dorn and June (Randy) Krebsbach. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Dick is preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy (Jim) Chmel, brother Robert Meyer, and grandson Frederick Richard Manske.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10AM until time of Memorial Service at 12PM at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 11313 Riverland Rd, Mequon, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick's name to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church are greatly appreciated.

The service will be live streamed at https://cuwaa.zoom.us.