Kenneth Mitchel "Gus" Meyers Jr.

Kenneth Mitchel Meyers Jr (Gus Meyers), age 75, passed away on August 18, 2025, at his home in San Clemente CA in the arms of his beloved wife and best friend Susan. They celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary on August 25, 2024. His steadfast friend Michael Miller of San Clemente was also present at his passing. Gus fought the good fight against cancer and pulmonary diseases beginning in 2022. He overcame 4 cancers, recovering each time and regaining his joy of living. To the end, he was strong and courageous in body, mind, and spirit. God granted him peace at last and brought him home to heaven to be with his mother, father, and brothers.

Gus was born on November 15,1949 at St. Francis Hospital in Superior Wisconsin. He attended St. Francis Elementary School, East High School, and Superior Senior High School (Class of 1967). He grew up with the ore docks and Lake Superior as his playgrounds during the 1950's when children roamed the East End from dawn to dusk, enjoying freedoms not known by today's little ones.

At the height of the Vietnam War, Gus volunteered to serve his country and was sworn into the United States Marine Corps at the Enlistment Depot in Minneapolis MN on May 1, 1968. He remembered being the sole volunteer standing in the "Yellow Footprints," when an enlistment officer put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Come with me, Son." He not only survived Marine Corps Boot Camp at Camp Pendleton CA, but graduated "Meritoriously," on July 18,1968 as Private First Class, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. After attending Radio Operator School, he served with the H+S Battalion, 2nd Marines at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Gus had two sons with his first wife Carol Marie Vandenberg. Soon after the birth of his first son Kenneth Mitchel Meyers III, Gus began his tour of duty with the 1st Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines in the Republic of Vietnam on April 28, 1969. He served as a radio operator, often the most dangerous position since he was responsible for communications and calling in "back-up" in the jungles of Vietnam. Gus noted that he was also asked to serve as a "tunnel rat" since he was smaller than other Marines. Tunnel rats entered and cleared the underground tunnel systems used by the Viet Kong and the NVA. He often recalled that he was "medevaced" out of Viet Nam because of malaria and believed that may have saved his life. On March 13,1970 he received a Meritorious Combat Promotion to Corporal and a Navy Achievement Medal for his service with India Battery 311, attached to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. From 1970 to 1973 he served at Camp Pendleton and El Toro Marine Base in California during which duty his younger son Mark Jeffrey Meyers was born in 1973. After a tour of duty in Japan, he attended Marine Security Guard School in Quantico, Virginia. He was assigned to the American Embassy in Columbo, Sri Lanka as Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge, Marine Security Guard Detachment from 1976 to 1977 and in the same capacity at the American Embassy in Lisbon Portugal from 1977-1978. He was appointed as Gunnery Sergeant in November of 1977. He was proud of "pinning on Gunny" in less than 10 years. He received an Honorable Discharge from the USMC on Nov. 2, 1978.

After his USMC career, Gus's next adventure was as a business owner back in his hometown. He opened Al's Waterfront Tavern which he operated until 1983. He brought his work ethic and charisma into civilian life. It was an enormous success, serving dock workers and young local people and becoming one of the most popular venues in Superior. He brought his two sons back to Wisconsin each summer from 1980 through 1984 so they could meet their grandparents Ken and Mary Meyers and spend time with him in Superior and on St. Croix Lake in Solon Springs. It was at Al's Waterfront that he reconnected with the love of his life Susan Marguerite Cage, and they married in August of 1984. He often said he had always wanted to marry a Cathedral cheerleader! They packed up two cars-his 1974 Triumph and her Toyota Tercel-and drove to San Clemente California in 1985 and never looked back. He reinvented himself, earning two Associate of Arts degrees and an Associate of Science degree in Construction Technology and Building Construction and becoming a building inspector for the City of San Clemente. It was a job he genuinely enjoyed and excelled at. He was immensely proud of the additional studies he completed to become a Certified Building Inspector with the International Conference of Building Officials. Gus and Susan purchased their "Little Casa by the Sea" in 1995. With the help of many friends in the building trades, he remodeled the '60s style house in 6 weeks' time. It was his pride and joy, his castle and the "jewel in the crown" he built for Susan. He hosted numerous barbecues and holiday dinners for young and old alike throughout the years. One Thanksgiving he invited his young cousin and fellow recruits who were enduring boot camp to sit down for a traditional family dinner. Gus was an avid golfer throughout the 90's and 2000's. He maintained an interest in national and international news and politics that had been sparked during his time on embassy duty. He loved to meet up with buddies at a few local taverns in the late afternoon. His razor-sharp wit and repartee were admired and appreciated by many. He also enjoyed meeting and greeting the young Marines who frequented these pubs, sharing selected USMC experiences and learning about how the Corps had changed.

Gus never forgot his roots in Northern Wisconsin and returned each summer to reunite with family and friends and enjoy "lake time" at several cabins in the Solon Springs and Gordon areas. He enjoyed country life, fishing, and water skiing, and reminiscing in front of many midnight campfires. He was a proud member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. His love of family was always strong. He helped numerous family members over the years, financially and with savvy advice. He always tried to "set the example." He was especially devoted to his dear mother Mary Theresa Freascher Meyers.

Gus was a Marine through and through, a dedicated husband, and a loyal friend to many in all the places he lived here and abroad. When illnesses plagued him in later years, he continued to fight on, remaining positive and optimistic. For 3 full years, he demonstrated a strength, a resilience, and a spirit that amazed family and friends. When they pointed out how much he had suffered, he often said, "What I went through in Vietnam at age 20 was the hardest thing I've ever done, and these illnesses are nothing in comparison." He drew upon that wartime experience to remain valiant to the end.

Gus is survived by his loving wife Susan; sons Kenneth Mitchel (Jennifer) Meyers III and Mark Jeffrey (Michelle) Meyers; brothers James Meyers, Michael Meyers, and Patrick Meyers; sister-in-law Peggy Meyers; and granddaughter Carly (Kayne) Galyon. Survivors also include numerous cousins, especially Bessie Johnson whom he considered "the sister he never had;" eight nephews and one niece, as well as four great nephews and three great nieces. He is preceded in death by his father Kenneth Mitchel Meyers Sr., his mother Mary Theresa Freascher Meyers, his brothers David Meyers and Raymond Bruce (Chopsy) Meyers, his sister-in-law Tammy Meyers, niece Michela Meyers, and great niece Rachel Meyers.

2 Timothy 4: 7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

The following tribute was written to Gus by USMC Sergeant Rick Russell who served under him in Lisbon Portugal in 1978 and who reunited with him in 2024 at Gus's home in San Clemente.

"Today we remember a man whose life was defined by courage, duty, and unwavering loyalty-not just to his country, but to the people who were lucky enough to know him. Gus was more than a Marine. He was a protector, a mentor, and a quiet force of strength. From the jungles of Vietnam to the diplomatic corridors of the U.S. Embassy in Lisbon, he carried the weight of responsibility with grace and grit. As the senior Marine in charge, he led with conviction and compassion, earning the respect of his peers and the admiration of those under his command. But beyond the uniform, he was our friend. He had a laugh that could cut through the darkest days, a heart big enough to carry the burdens of others, and a spirit that never wavered. He taught us that leadership isn't about rank---it's about integrity, humility, and showing up when it matters most. His legacy lives on in every Marine who stands a little taller because of his example and in every life, he touched with his kindness and courage. We will miss him deeply, but we will carry his memory forward-with pride, with love, and with the same fierce loyalty he showed us every day. Semper Fi, Gunny. You've earned your rest. We'll take it from here. Until Valhalla!"

A Celebration of Life for California family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12-3 pm at La Ventura Event Center in San Clemente. A Memorial Service for Wisconsin family and friends will be held on Saturday October 11 from 11 am-2 pm at Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life at the Moose Lodge in Superior WI. Family visitation from 10-11 am; General visitation from 11-1 pm, Service at 1 pm.