Carl Oscar Meister

Carl Oscar Meister entered eternal life on Saturday, November 15th 2025, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, and the land he loved. Born on February 4, 1934, at the home of his parents, Oscar and Olga Meister, in the Township of Dewey, Carl's world was shaped by hard work, simplicity, and the deep bonds of a close-knit family.
Carl was confirmed at Coomer Lutheran Church and attended a one-room schoolhouse, completing grades 1–8 at Maple Grove School. As a young boy, he worked with his brother Paul and four sisters to help on the family farm, learning early the value of responsibility and the quiet pride that comes from working with your hands and spending time with your family.
In 1952, Carl's life took a new direction when he joined the Army. He proudly served in Korea, operating transport vehicles to keep his unit moving safely through the land. He also spent R&R time in Japan and often shared how beautiful the flowers were on the island-memories that stayed with him throughout his life. Upon returning home, Carl worked at Mike's Skelly Station, faithfully pumping gas and fixing tires for a little over three and a half years.
Yet Carl's true passion was always farming. He cut logs, cleared the land, built his barn and sheds with his own hands, and loved watching his crops grow from season to season. The land wasn't just his occupation-it was his life's calling.
Carl discovered the love of his life at a neighborhood sliding party at the Schumaker Hill. He was smitten with Betty right away and would often take her and her twin sister Barb to Indian Creek to go dancing. He married Betty (Schumaker) Meister on November 7, 1964. Together, they shared an enduring love and built a beautiful life on the farm, working side by side and raising four children-Beth, Beverly, Carl Kevin, and Brian.
Carl found joy in the simple pleasures of country living: working the land, milking his cows, tending the family garden that included potatoes, strawberries, and raspberries. He enjoyed berry picking, deer, duck and turkey hunting, as well as watching his fields grow tall in the sun. However, above all, he treasured time with his family. Carl always enjoyed any time the family worked together, whether it was unloading hay or fencing in the pasture.
Carl is survived by his beloved wife Betty; children Beth (Mark) Hansen, Beverly (Jarett) Cassellius, Carl Kevin (Charity) Meister, and Brian (Trudy) Meister; grandchildren Ryan Hansen, Alyssa Hansen, Kevin Meister, Brayden Meister, Brycen Meister, Braelyn Meister and Erik Cassellius; Great Grandchildren Clara Cassellius and Myles Hansen.; His sisters Marie Quam, and Esther (Jim) Bernecker and his sister-in-law JoAnne Schade.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents Oscar and Olga Meister, siblings Paul (Barb) Meister, Dorothy (Mike) Gudlin, and Pauline (Richard) Lawrence; brothers-in-law David Schade, Warren Quam and nephew Terry Gudlin.
Carl lived a life defined by faith, family, and the land he worked. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and, in the fields, he tended with such care.
A funeral service in honor of Carl will be held at 12 PM, Noon, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Skinner Funeral Home in Shell Lake, with a visitation one hour prior. Interment and military honors will follow at Shell Lake Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Ryan Hansen, Kevin Meister, Brayden Meister, Brycen Meister, Erik Cassellius, and Levi Meister.
Following the burial, there will be a luncheon at the Shell Lake Community Center.
Skinner Funeral Home of Shell Lake is assisting the family.