Francis Meyer

Francis J. Meyer, age 89 of Meire Grove, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at his home in Meire Grove.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20 at St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Tom Becker officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the St. Joseph's Men's Society, Poor Souls Society, Holy Rosary Society, and the Melrose Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Francis Joseph Meyer was born January 22, 1921 in Meire Grove, Minnesota to Joseph and Elizabeth (Deters) Meyer. He was united in marriage to Loretta Kampsen on June 3, 1947 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa, Minnesota. Francis farmed southwest of Meire Grove his entire life. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove, St. Joseph's Men's Society, Knights of Columbus, Council #1633, Poor Souls Society, and the Holy Rosary Society. Francis was also involved in the Meire Grove Choir for over 50 years and belonged to the Meire Grove band. He enjoyed playing cards, music, playing the guitar and the clarinet, and also sang "Hans" at many weddings. Francis loved farming, sitting under the tree on the farm, and especially loved being with his family and attending family events.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta Meyer of Meire Grove; children, Irene (Gerald) Eiden of Roseville, Marty (Judy) Meyer of St. Joseph, Fred (Joyce) Meyer of Melrose, Michael (Laura) Meyer of Melrose, JoAnn (Tom) Douvier of St. Rosa, and Joseph (Michelle) Meyer of Meire Grove; 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Pauline Imdieke of Melrose.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Catherine Korf, Adella Welle, Hilda Meyer, Henry Meyer, Regina Illies, Bernard Meyer, Erma Welle, Evelyn Illies, and Olivia Schmiesing.

Serving as casket bearers will be Mike Eiden, Brad Meyer, Darin Meyer, Eric Meyer, Shawn Meyer, and Josh Meyer. Cross bearer will be Nathan Douvier and scripture bearers will be Brett Meyer and Braya Meyer.