Richard Albert Meyer

Richard Albert Meyer, 86, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Madonna Towers in Rochester. 

Richard Albert Meyer was born July 31, 1927, in Chicago, Ill. He attended high school in Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1952 and used the GI Bill to get his bachelor's and master's engineering degrees from Purdue University. On Sept 12, 1953, he married Ruth Bernice Williams. In 1961, while working and raising a family, he earned his PhD in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. His career spanned many companies with focus on nuclear power generation. His work gave him the opportunity to live in several areas of the U.S.: (Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kansas and California). After retirement, he and his wife moved to Nevada, and in 2008 to Minnesota.

They traveled and enjoyed visiting with relatives across the country. Richard was an avid lifelong model airplane hobby enthusiast and was very active in promoting the hobby, and held world records. He competed in national model airplane contests, and promoted youth programs. He was an accomplished singer and sang in several church choirs and in the Madonna Towers choir. He enjoyed college and professional sports, especially baseball and football. He liked polka, big band and classical music and opera. 

He is survived by one son, Ken (Becky) of Rochester; two grandsons, Corey of Minneapolis and Nathan (Megan) of Mazomanie, Wis.; one great-grandson, Koda; a  brother-in-law, Carl Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Elsie Meyer; sister, Dorothy Kinzelman and brother, Robert.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Oakwood Cemetery Chapel in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until time of service. The Rev. Jeff Utecht will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester, 1026 E. Center St., Rochester, MN 55904.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Pl. N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600.