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Volker Meissner Obituary
Volker "Gary"
Gerhard Meissner
Resident of Cupertino
2/20/1943 - 10/9/2011
Gary Meissner passed away on October 9, 2011 at the age of 68. Gary was the owner of Meissner Automotive in Palo Alto, CA, proudly and happily providing "service to my community" for 41 years.
Gary was born in Chemnitz, Germany and came to California in 1963. He worked as a machinist for United Airlines until he was inducted into the U S Army in 1965, where he proudly served in an active and reservist status until 1971.
Gary is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sonya, son Kurt and son Stefan. He also leaves behind his mother Ilse Meissner of Germany, and a brother Lothar (Lew) of Sunnyvale. Gary will be sadly missed by all, including his numerous relatives and countless friends in his community.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 5825 Bollinger Road, Cupertino, CA. Donations in memory of Gary may be made to The Salvation Army or Disabled American Veterans.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Volker Meissner
Sponsored by Kurt Meissner.
KEN W NELSON
October 10, 2023
Gary established one of the best car repair shops in the bay area. I met Gary around 2005 and being a new visitor to Palo Alto, needed to find a place to change the tires on my very old Citroen. He and his men allowed me to use their tire machine when no one else would. That sort of acceptance by a business is very rare. Since then, I've always sent friends there who need help with their not so new cars, of any brand. Meissner's son Kurt carries on his father's legacy of honest, reliable, trustworthy service. That sort of business seems to be a rarity these days.
Ken Nelson
October 9, 2022
Gary Meissner helped me a lot when I first started going to Palo Alto in 2004 to avoid the cold winters of Detroit. When I would go to his shop to get help with the oddball tires on my old Citroen sedans, he would let me operate the tire change machine myself - no other shop would ever let me do that. I really appreciated his trust in me, and tried to return the favor any way I could. It was a sad day when we lost Gary.
Gene & Sonia Micek
June 4, 2012
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Gary's death. We had great conversations with Gary about flying and he enjoyed accompanying Gene on a Cessna P337 flight! We will miss him greatly and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Gene & Sonia Micek
November 24, 2011
Kurt & Family,
I never thought of Gary as a customer - he became a dear friend, and I was devastated by the news. It was way to soon as Gary had so much life to live.
Mike Reed
Kirk Autsen
November 1, 2011
To the Meissner Family, I just found out today that Gary passed away. Someone had come into my office and saw all my Meissner magnet Giant's schedule collection over the years and mentioned Gary's passing. I was heartbroken to hear that news. He was such a nice,honest and kind man and I will miss him greatly. I just loved talking with him in the shop. He will be missed. God Bless you all in your time of grief.
The Cupertino Sports Center Front Desk Staff
October 20, 2011
Dear Gary,
Many of our members come into the Sports Center only to use our facilities. You came in to brighten up our days. It was always a pleasure talking with you, and all of us will cherish the many conversations we had together. Rest peacefully in Heaven Gary Meissner.
October 20, 2011
My condolences to Kurt, Stefan and the Meissner family and staff. Gary has provided a great service for many years to many of the Loral employees down the street from his shop. I'm sure that I can speak for a majority of that group we will continue to be loyal to Meissner Auto, as a tribute to Gary's great service to us. Gary will be missed. Ruhe in Frieden, mein Freund! (only guy I could speak German with)
Greg Guild,
Fremont, CA
Ann Lane
October 18, 2011
Dear Kurt and Family,
I was so sorry, when I came in today, to hear of Gary's death. He was a great guy. I actually enjoyed bringing my cars in because I knew he'd be there ready to joke around and shoot the breeze with me. Of course, I also knew I needed to allow a few extra minutes because Gary did love to talk, joke and complain. We had a great time criticizing the city, the government, and, of course, our kids - though our comments always showed how much we dearly loved said kids. I know this is a tremendously difficult time for all of you, and you will be reminded of your father constantly. But as time passes, you will enjoy those reminders: when you say something and suddenly think, "Wow, I sound just like my Dad!", or you see a picture, go somewhere you went together, and, eventually, see him in the faces of your own children. Then you will know that, because of the love and care he had for you, and you for him, that he is still with you and that the best of him continues. We will all miss him, but we were fortunate to know him.
David Findley
October 18, 2011
Taking my car and me to see Gary for routine maintenance every three to four months was always a treat. He was a great guy and a great raconteur. I had complete confidence in his integrity. May God rest his soul and grant comfort to his family.
Tom Clark
October 17, 2011
Oh no....Just got the word...NOT Gary...Gman had too much time left...too much stuff to do.....I...and all the Clarks are heartbroken.....was thinking the other day that it had been awhile since we had seen Gary and Sonya out here....part of me has passed too.....just the worst news imaginable...God I loved Gary...a true original.....Love you guys too.....stay strong and know all of us Clarks love you.....:(
October 17, 2011
Gary was a customer of ours at Interstate Battery, he will be missed he was special.
Dick and Suzi Slate
Dean Rodriguez
October 17, 2011
Gary was a great guy,we have done business together for many years and I always enjoyed his humor in our many conversations. He always had a positive outlook on things.From my family to yours our deepest sympathy in this sad time.
Ken Nelson
October 16, 2011
Dear Sonya, I've known Gary for about skx years now, and always enjoyed talking with him. He was a generous man with a big heart and strong opinions which I respected. He was very accepting of me and my ratty old hobby cars, letting me use his tire machine to get my old hulks rolling when I'm sure any other shop owner would have thrown me out. Having worked in the auto industry in Detroit for many years, I would swap stories with him about the business and it was always educational and entertaining to hear his side of things. You and your family have my sincerest sympathy -
Sue Clark
October 16, 2011
Gary was a great guy. My brother Tom worked with him at the station for many years. He was like a part of the Clark family. He was funny, hard working, opinionated (which I loved!), great to my folks, a big teaser, and loved his family so much. I am just so sorry for your loss. Way too soon to lose him. :(
Lillian Kanzaki
October 15, 2011
Dear Sonya and Family,
Greatly saddened to hear of your great loss. I feel fortunate that I recently met and talked to Gary.
My deepest sympathy. Take care.
Love, Lillian
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