Richard Otto Meurer

Richard "Rich" Otto Meurer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at his home on April 17, 2025. Rich will forever be remembered for his warm smile, playful sense of humor, and the ability to make anyone feel at home on the family farm.

Born on June 2, 1939, to Otto and Bernice, he grew up on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and the land he tended with great care. Rich graduated from Wabasha High School in 1957. He later met the love of his life, Ann "Skip" Pellow, when the young "big city" girl visited the family farm with friends. They were married on November 26, 1960, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Rich owned and operated Richard's Marigold (a dairy home delivery service) for many years. After selling Richard's Marigold, the family moved to the Meurer farm where he continued farming. Rich had a strong work ethic that was evident throughout his years. While farming he also worked for the Wabasha County Highway Department. Rich was a member of the Wabasha Volunteer Fire Department for 21 years.

He had a passion for his horses and John Deere tractors. He enjoyed trail riding and participating in horse shows. He and Skip were active members of the Wabasha-Kellogg Wranglers Saddle Club. Later, his love turned to draft horses. Rich loved hitching up his horses for wagon rides or just to work up a field. He took pride in his John Deere tractors, big and small.

He loved spending time with his many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family at the farm. The farm became a place for family and friends to gather, play, work and grow up together. Whether cheering on Minnesota's sports teams or sharing a 'shortcut' on a drive with his family, Rich brought laughter and joy to every moment.

Rich is survived by his wife Ann "Skip," and children Linda (Dan) Binner, Laurie Patrow, Rick (Paige) Meurer, Lisa (Bryan) Ganter, Kevin (Kylie) Meurer. Grandchildren: Eric (Holly), Adam (Shauna) and Isaac Binner, Mallory (Joe) Hedquist, McKenna Patrow, Carson and Brady Meurer, Sydni and Nolan Ganter, Abigail, Kolton and Sophie Meurer, William and Jonas Dunn. Great grandchildren: Sawyer, Hudson, Ashton, Isla and Aubrey Binner. Sisters: Helen Willers and Sue (Rich) Reed. Sisters-in-law: LaVonne Meurer, Gloria Meurer, Linda Meurer, Barb Meurer, Sue Winick and Barbara (Dave) Paschke and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Bernice Meurer, as well as brothers, Robert "Bugsy," Roger, Fred, and William "Bill," and brothers-in-law, Keith Willers, Philip Pellow and James Pellow.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Felix Catholic Church, 117 3rd St W, Wabasha, MN 55981. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Wabasha. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Felix Catholic Church and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to St. Felix Catholic Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Meurer family.