Lavern Meinecke

Lavern Meinecke, age 87, of Ridgeway, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 20, 2025, entering into eternal rest with his Savior.

Lavern was born in the family farmhouse in Cainsville, Missouri, on August 3rd, 1938, to Gustaf and Thelma (McQuerry) Meinecke. Lavern accepted Christ as a young man at a church in Cainsville, later joining the Ridgeway Baptist Church in 1982, which was his church home for the remainder of his life.

He attended the Banner Country School, near his childhood home, through eighth grade, before finishing his education at Cainsville High School. After working for a few years as a farmhand and hauling bulk milk, he started farming, his primary occupation and lifelong passion. His operation included row crops, hay production, and a herd of registered black Angus cattle, of which he was especially proud. He particularly enjoyed the years spent working alongside his sons, instilling a respect for the land and appreciation for the rural way of life, along with the strong work ethic required of a farmer.

In 1959, he married the late Donna Weathered, who along with their twin children, preceded him in death just 18 months later.

In 1971, he married Elaine Snead of Bethany, Missouri, his wife of 54 years, at the Baptist Church in Mount Moriah, Missouri. Together they raised five children: Kevin, Annie, Gayla, Greg, and Kelly.

His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family and he will be missed by all who knew him. Lavern is survived by his wife, Elaine of the home; children, Kevin (Rita) Meinecke of Bethany, MO, Annie (Rob) Zirfas of Bethany, MO, Gayla (Paul) Wallace of Tarkio, MO, Greg Meinecke of Ridgeway, MO, and Kelly Meinecke of Bethany, MO; 14 grandchildren, Josh and Chris Name, Mark Meinecke, Khrishia Gifford, Tiffany Dredge, Jade Stobbe, Dr. Mikaila Wallace Scheffe, Dr. Kenzie Wallace, Jordan Peterson, Justin, Klarissa and Jacoby Roberts, Kennison Gregg, and Kaitlyn Walker; 15 great grandchildren; and siblings, Roma Richardson, Sandra Reno, Tom Meinecke (Joyce), Tim Meinecke (Carrie), and Peggy Stewart (Pat); sister-in-law, Justine Vaughn; and a special cousin, Buster Meinecke (Billie); along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sisters, Sylvia Meinecke and Reva Glenn; brothers-in-law, Clark Glenn, Bob Richardson, and Roy Reno; a nephew, Steve Glenn; and a niece, Jeanette Meinecke. Also making their final journey before him were in-laws Jim Vaughn, Worth and Leah Vandivert, Marlin and Eleanor Meredith, and Kenneth and Joanne Snead.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Ridgeway Baptist Church in Ridgeway, Missouri from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Ridgway Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Ridgeway Cemetery in Ridgeway, Missouri. Memorials and contributions are suggested to the Ridgeway Cemetery or the Ridgeway Baptist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

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