Dennis Paul Meier

1951 - 2026

Dennis Paul Meier

December 6, 1951 - January 10, 2026

Dennis Paul Meier was born on December 6, 1951, in Grand Island, to Donald W. and Erma L. (Ottemoeller) Meier.

He died on January 10, 2026, at Crane Gardens Assisted Living after a long battle with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy. Throughout this battle, he never uttered a complaint. His faith remained strong during his fight with this rare neurodegenerative disease that takes so much from its victims. Visitation will be at Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 18th. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 19th at 11:00 A.M. at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. Justin Bangert and Rev. Luke Biggs officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Peace Lutheran Church or Central Nebraska Lutheran School.

Dennis grew up on the family dairy farm north of Grand Island and from a very young age was part of the farming operation. He was active in 4-H, showing dairy cattle at the Hall County Fair and State Fair. Dennis attended county school until 4th grade when he began attending Trinity Lutheran School. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Dennis was a 1970 graduate of Grand Island Northwest High School, where he was active in football, wrestling, vocal music, and Future Farms of America (receiving the state Star Dairy Farmer award.)

He attended the University of Nebraska with an emphasis in Animal Science. Dennis was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi Fraternity and on the UNL Dairy Judging Team. He joined the family farm operation in the summer of 1973.

Dennis was married to Diane Warnke on August 23, 1975, in Battle Creek, Nebraska. He was trained as a commodities broker and worked for 3 years in that field. His love for the farm and the dairy/beef industry led him to his longest employment which was with Select Sires as a salesman of beef and dairy genetics. He traveled all over the state of Nebraska for 30 years calling on dairy and beef farmers. Over the years many of his customers became his friends. Dennis retired in January of 2017. After retirement Dennis volunteered with the Orphan Grain Train, taxied grandkids and enjoyed attending many of their activities.

He was a charter member of Peace Lutheran Church in Grand Island, serving on the original building committee and in many other positions and boards. His love of music led him to sing in the church choir until he could no longer do so. Over the years he served on the Nebraska Dairyman Association Board and judged local and district dairy shows. He had a strong faith knowing that his earthly life was always in the hands of his Savior. He wanted people to know that "By grace you have been saved by faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. Dennis's family would like to thank Crane Gardens for the wonderful care he received for the past 3.5 years.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, of 50 years; sons, Andrew (Nicole) and Derrick (Jacqueline) Meier both of Grand Island; daughter, Allison Meier Madrigal of Littleton, Colorado; five grandchildren who adored him, Emma, William, Elijiah, Ariela, and Mateo Meier; his brothers, Kennieth Meier and Douglas Meier both of Grand Island, Mark Meier of Omaha, and Darryl (Kris) Meier of Hastings; and sister, June (Odell) Mason of Moody, Texas. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Lori (Gary) Fleming of Emporia, Kansas, Jan (Jim) Roberg of Grand Island; brother-in-law, Dan (Kris) Warnke of Wichita, Kansas: and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, father and mother-in-law; Donald and Lorna Warnke.