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Rev. Paul J. Meismer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 11, 2025.

Granville - Rev. Paul J. Meismer, 82, of rural Granville, IL, went to his heavenly reward on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

The funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, August 16th, at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) in Spring Valley. The Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Spring Valley. A visitation for Fr. Paul will be held Friday evening, August 15th, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the Barto Funeral Home (120 W. Cleveland St.) in Spring Valley. Additional visitation will be held Saturday morning, at the church, from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services.

Fr. Paul was born on June 7, 1943 to Ralph H. and Mary C. (Sutcliffe) Meismer. In 1969, he was ordained a priest of the Peoria Diocese on his birthday by Bishop Franz at St. Mary's Cathedral. "Padre Paul" faithfully served the people of God over the 42 years of active ministry in many locations: Peru, Arlington, Dimmick, Delevan, Hopedale, Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Sheffield, Cambridge, Wyanet, Spring Valley, and Cherry. After receiving Senior Status, Fr. Paul helped in various parishes as a weekend substitute in Germantown Hills, Metamora, Roanoke, Walnut, and Ohio.

Fr. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Jerry, as well as his long-time coworker, Ladyne Huhn.

He leaves behind, for the time being, his sister, Margie Barnes and Barry Cassano; his brother, Kevin (Melanie) Meismer; sister-in-law, Sue Meismer; nephews and niece; and many close friends and former parishioners.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Bede Academy, Peru, IL (https://www.st-bede.com/give-now), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be signed visiting bartofh.com.

Fr. Paul wants everyone to know that he will be awaiting your arrival when you are called HOME. Meanwhile, "God Bless You All!" Amen.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

August 16, 2025

Kathleen Ellis posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2025

Steve & Kathy Anderson posted to the memorial.

August 15, 2025

William & Connie family Craig posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Kathleen Ellis

August 16, 2025

Kind, sweet, caring, humane, humble, are just some of the adjectives that best fit Father Paul. He was one of the best. He is now in God‘s loving arms and reaping his reward for the kindness he has shown for all humanity in his lifetime.

Steve & Kathy Anderson

August 15, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

William & Connie family Craig

August 15, 2025

You will be missed not just as our spiritual leader but as our friend. You not only brought in the flock that already believed but you nurtured and taught the new generation. You walked the walk, you were a good Shepherd! Until we meet again.

James Miller

August 13, 2025

Rest in peace Fr Paul
I always enjoyed your sermons and drawing a lot of young people to the church

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Mary Clare Wyrowski

August 12, 2025

Father Paul was a dear friend and constant angel in my life. He married us in 1971 and continued to be a positive connection. We visited as often as our travels took us to Illinois and my late husband build frames for his many puzzles. I have a feeling that Fr. Paul is doing the puzzles and Tom is busy building the frames. He was much loved and will be missed not only by me but many others. You were there to "check" on me after Tom died and often were the mental support and the guidance I needed. I trusted you and you knew just what to say. Rest in peace good and faithful servant, you will be sorely missed by me.

Beth Oliver

August 12, 2025

You were a great part of our family beginning at St Vals. Later we belonged to Immaculate Conception when you came I was blessed to read at mass for you. You baptized my son as well as his first communion. We followed you to Cherry. You were always a source of friendship kindness and support especially when my parents passed and they requsted you perform their funerals.

We will miss you every day and pray you look over us once in a while.

Beth & Evan Oliver

Jessica Milner

August 12, 2025

Thank you for bringing so many to Christ! You truly lived your vocation, and I know your return to the Heavenly Kingdom was such a joyful one!

Donna (Wolf) Gooden

August 11, 2025

Rest in Peace. You are loved and will be missed by many, me included.

Pat and Al Corwin

August 11, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always!

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Barto Funeral Home - Spring Valley