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Dieter Meister Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Dieter Meister
Sponsored by A Loving Friend.
John Barbara
April 27, 2009
I found out via Facebook that Herr Meister had passed. The last time I saw Herr Meister was a few months after graduation in 1983 when I went back to Hammond on leave from the Army. He was one of the most caring and decent teachers I have ever had the privilege of having. His sense of humor, cheerfulness, and basic decency made him a joy to be around and I am saddened that I did not get a chance to get back to see him before he passed. Herr Meister was a model teacher and good man and all his students were better people for having known him.
Tammy Barnett(Petitt)
March 1, 2007
So sorry to hear of Herr Meister's passing. I was lucky enough to be in his class from 78-81. I have very fond memories of trips to "Germantown" in Chicago. I went on to study German in college and was able to test into advanced classes due to Herr Meister's excellent teaching skills. He was a genuine one of a kind and heaven will be a little brighter with his presence.
Csaba Kohalmi
February 26, 2007
Lieber Dieter!
I will always remember you fondly for our times together at the U of I; our shared experiences in coming to America, and our common enjoyment of traveling back 'home' to our native lands.
Rest in peace, my friend!
Sophia Spudic-Mason
February 20, 2007
Herr Meister was a wonderful teacher and friend. His class was my favorite, so much so that I kept taking German from 7th grade through 12th. He had such a huge impact on my life. After I graduated, I went back to see him a few years later, only to have him make me grade German papers. He was wonderful. Our class made a movie which I would have loved to have a copy of. I wish I could have seen him before he left us. I will never forget him or his wonderful way of making us learn, whether it be the German language, or lessons in life. Thank you Herr Meister....
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Angie Stoddard
February 19, 2007
To Herr Meister's Family:
I was deeply sad and shocked to discover that Herr Meister had passed on. To me he shall always be remembered as a teacher who loved all his students and got the love right back from them. Herr was one of those people who left an ever lasting impression with all that knew him and shall never be replaced in our hearts and memories.
Seth Lanning
February 15, 2007
to say that herr meister was a good teacher would be a great understatement. his devotion to his students and his prolific love for teachiing resounded well outside the walls of hammond's schools. i have one memory of him that will stay with me always:
in my sophomore year of high school, after being taught by herr meister for four years, i transfered from morton to a private school in lansing, illinois. on the last day i had herr as a teacher he gave me his well-wishes and sent me on my way. i thought this was the end of his tenure in my life. well, i was wrong, and gladly so.
in my junior year, at my new school, our german program held a department fundraiser consisting of a dinner and a student written comedic play. well, to my suprise, herr meister was in the audience for the performance. he knew which school i transfered to and found out about the fundraiser from a friend, and he was there. this action alone spoke louder than words ever could. although i was no longer his student, he was still a devoted teacher. it was great to catch up with him, and i regret that this was the last time we spoke.
condolences to friends and family, he was a man who will be truly missed by every heart he touched. thank you, for everything sir.
- a very grateful student and friend
Priscilla Purnick
January 14, 2007
I had Dieter Meister for three years of German at Morton, but that doesn't even begin to describe what Dieter meant/means to me. My best friends in High School were my teachers....Herr Dieter Meister was one of the best of the best. Herr didn't mind when I spent time in his class after school because it was difficult for me to go home. He asked no questions, he did not push...he was there for me.
He taught me to be meticulous in what I do....the German way. He had *my* type of humor...the dry wit where you could not tell if he was really joking or not. I now drive my kids up the wall with that type of humor.
He pretended to be offended when we called him 'Benny Hill'...but then acted the part. He taught me photography, not just the mechanics, but the beauty.
He was kind beyond compare, stern when he had to be and always a friend. He came to visit on a moment's notice when I was in town and was at my wedding. He was a teddy bear, a grinning clown and a serious educator. He always always cared.
I graduated in 1981, but have always maintained contact with him. In recent years I found him online and communicated with him by instant message at least once a week. He would IM me in German, I would IM back in English (as I frantically pawed through my German-English dictionary translating his message!). Now I look at his name on my IM list and feel great sadness that I will never see that name pop up again.
When Mr. Rasmussen passed away and I found out three months too late, Dieter was there to soothe me as I grieved. I was on the phone with him daily for a couple of weeks...and he never turned me away or hurried me.
As others have said, he was a very Christian man...he lived his faith in an age where PC is more important than JC. I will miss him so very very much. But I look forward to seeing him and having fun with him in the hereafter!
Ruhe in frieden, liebes Freund,
Priscilla "Trina" Purnick, '81
James Ghrist
January 13, 2007
I was extremely sad to hear that Herr Meister had passed away, and would have been at his funeral had I known sooner. I had Herr Meister for three years of German and found him to be knowledgable, fun-loving, generous, and kind to me and the rest of his students. Even the students who got in trouble respected him for the dedication he put into his job as a teacher. The German he taught me helped me test out of three semesters of German in college and graduate early. I was able to see him a few years ago, and he still remembered me and introduced me to his class and remembered every member of my family, including my mother, even though I had graduated almost 10 years prior to that day. That says it all about Herr Meister. I can honestly say that I am a better person today just for having known him, and my prayers will be with his family.
Linda Luttringer
January 10, 2007
Herr Dieter Meister was a dear friend, a true gentleman, and a scholar. During his illness I would visit him regularly and then communicate with those who knew him to keep them updated as to his situation. I helped create his Christmas newsletter, and was chided, "Ms English Teacher, you are using too many words!" I replied, "So, Mr German Teacher, then you must do better!" Of course, he did, smiling all the while as he chose better words.
I worked with him for over 34 years at Morton High School. He knew that I graded journals at the end of each day. Usually at about 5:00, he would check on me as he left the building, shouting, "Linda, go home!" I would respond, "OK, I'm outta here!" But, if I didn't respond, then he knew I was probably asleep at my desk, and he would gently wake me to send me on my way home.
He was a cheerful guardian, and a funster, who took great joy in teaching and learning.
I will always miss him, his wonderful friendship, his shuffling footsteps, and his quirky little smile.
May you travel with angels!
Linda Luttringer
DIETER IN LONDON STREET SHOP
January 10, 2007
DIETER MEISTER
January 10, 2007
Garry Graban
January 9, 2007
All students deserve and need a teacher like Herr Meister...a true educator, a wonderful man.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Brian Graban
January 8, 2007
Auf wiedersehen mein freund. You were the best that MHS had to offer.
Hazel Stockdale
January 7, 2007
Dieter, a very special friend!
Dieter, you were a special friend for all of the time I taught at Morton. You were a gentle, caring, Christian man who impacted the lives of teachers and students. We look forward to spending eternity with you in Heaven.
In Christian love,
Hazel and Quincy Stockdale
Joyana Progar
January 7, 2007
Dieter Meister was a man who knew how to tell a story. Whether he was describing the trips he took to Germany with his students or his life growing up in Tennessee and Illinois, he always kept my father and I entertained as we shared meals at various diners around the region. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. He was like a member of my family, always there to celebrate our triumphs and encourage us about future. I will miss his cheerful greetings and our great conversations. Returning home just won't be the same without Dieter.
Ed & Pat Buhring
January 6, 2007
Herr Meister taught all 3 of our children at Morton. They each had a great deal of respect and affection for him. We regret he won't be here to pass on his gifts to more students.
Pauline Wein
January 6, 2007
Herr Meister was one of my most favorite teachers ever. I loved having him as a German teacher at Morton for four years, '98-'02. I made it a point to visit him once or twice a year for the last four years that I've been out of high school. I became a follower of Christ at the end of my freshman year in college and because of his love for Germany and the German language that rubbed off of him onto me, I can't wait to do missions work in Germany some day with the thought of Herr in the back of my mind. He is greatly missed.
Leon Wells
January 5, 2007
Dieter Meister was a beloved brother in the Lord. A man of God.
Thomas OBrien
January 5, 2007
Herr was my teacher for 4 years. He put up with a lot of jokemaking and crazy behavior(all from me). Many times I would have to stay after school and throw paper into the garbage for an hour. He was a great teacher and will be missed. Anybody remember the fan?
Kathy (Alexander) Keegan
January 5, 2007
Herr Meister was a wonderful person and teacher. I had the privilege of having him as my teacher for four years at Morton. We took many trips to German town, where we tried to perfect our German. I loved his smile and his warmth. I too am sorry to hear such a warm, loving and terrific man left this world so soon; but he left this world a better place. I am thankful to have known him.
Christopher Brown
January 5, 2007
Dieter Meister was an inspiration. German class was always an inspiration and he left a lasting impression on my. Rest in peace, Herr Meister.
Lori L. Jones
January 5, 2007
I enjoyed the honor of teaching my first year across the hall from Herr Meister during the 05-06 school year at Morton. As a first year teacher, you face many tests and I am truly grateful for Dieter's unwaivering patience with the many questions I asked of him and other great Morton friends and colleagues. Dieter always had a wry sense of humor, a smile that was reassuring, and endless valuable advice and ideas on how to handle and teach students in these ever-changing days. I am forever grateful for his mentoring last year and will miss him greatly.
Dieter Meister gave his spiritual life to God and his earthly life to educating thousands of students, a gift to humanity that will endure forever. My prayers are with his family in their time of grief.
Krystal Winsor (Wells)
January 5, 2007
My friends and I share many great memories from Herr Meister's german classes. His class was always fun and some of those songs I had to learn in German have even made their way into the 1st grade classroom where I now teach. Herr will definitely be missed, but the memories will never be forgotten.
Al & Bonnie Pilditch
January 5, 2007
I have known Dieter for such a long time, even before Lorimer moved to Dolton about 50 years ago. He was a loyal friend and although we seldom saw each other in person, kept in touch via mail and computer. My husband and I will miss him greatly. We'll see you on the other side, dear friend.
Mike Costello
January 5, 2007
Dieter, how I miss those Consumer electronic shows we went to. All those nights at Jack's evaluating stereo-speakers or some piece of equipment. You are missed.
I'll meet you in the Lord's mansion someday.
Mike Costello/family
Kristen Bouwman
January 5, 2007
I'm so glad I got to spend time with Herr...From his colorful ways of speaking English to the fun times we had learning German, his classes were always interesting.
Thank you, Herr Meister.
Linda (Leu) Carlson
January 4, 2007
Herr Meister was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person. Because of his teaching, I was able to test out of my requirement in college. I enjoyed him very much. I pray that his family and friends may be comforted knowing that his pain is over and he is safely in Jesus' arms. May God bless you and keep you.
Chris Sikich
January 4, 2007
Herr Meister was a wonderful teacher and human being. I will never forget his mildly sly smile that lit up his whole face on many occasions during German classes I had with him at Morton High. He was a wonderfully eccentric spirit who will be dearly missed.
Eileen Payonk
January 4, 2007
Herr Meister was a wonderfully kind teacher who used humor to teach his students. I had the pleasure of being Herr's student for 4 years at Morton. I went to Germany and Austria with Herr and 5 other students in 1981. What a wonderful experience that was! Herr took us to local places after the regular tour was finished for the day to show us the real Germany and Austria. He gave me my first experience to travel abroad and learn, which I have continued in my adult life, thanks to him. I returned to Germany 20 years after that first trip and I sent a message to Herr that I recalled some of my German and was able to converse (a little bit) with the locals who just loved it. There are so many wonderful memories that I just can't list them all. He was truly one of my very favorite teachers who made a great impact on my life. I am glad I was able to send him cards and words of encouragement. I will truly miss my wonderful teacher. However, I know I have another guardian angel watching over me who is at peace and is no longer suffering. He will never be forgotten, because he touched so many lives.
Jeremy Carman
January 4, 2007
Herr Meister will truly be missed. He impacted the lives of so many kids in his lifetime. I have really grown to appreciate what he did now that I am teaching a language in a foreign country too. My thoughts are with his family during this time.
Laura Buhring-Lee
January 4, 2007
Herr was a fantastic teacher who made learning German fun. He was also a great friend and mentor through the photo club at Morton. I did not know that he was a Christian, but I feel a great sense of peace knowing that he is with Jesus now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
melissa tinsley (martinez)
January 4, 2007
i was deeply sadden to here about herr meisters passing he was a great teacher and a great person he made learning german fun. i am glad i got a chance to know a good person like him
Bill and Ellie Barber
January 4, 2007
I knew Dieter for over 50 years at Lorimer Church. He was always a great guy. We missed seeing him after we retired and moved to Delaware, but we'll always remember him.
Crystal Sinde
January 4, 2007
To The Family of Dieter Meister,
Herr Meister will be sadly missed. I know I will miss him. I had the pleasure of having him for 6 years from my 7th grade to the end of my 12th grade year. He was very good at what he did. Every student loved him no matter if they got in trouble with him or not. There are so many memories I have of him. Like one is: when I had to go the bathroom and I would ask, "if I can go to the bathroom", and he would say, "I don't know can you"? he would always have me ask, "may I go to the bathroom". Or he wouls have me ask, "may i go to the bathroom"? in german during my junior annd senior year since I had him for 6 years for German. Herr was my fav teacher throughout my middle and high school years. I will always br my fav no matter what. He was so cool in the classroom because he would push you hard but then again not to hard to do the work right in German. Like when I say I can't do it. He would always say I know you can do it just try a little harder. And after he leaves to help another student. I would try just a little bit harder and I would get it. I regret not seeing him after I graduated. It's just that he retired when I graduated so I couldn't see him anymore. But thatnks to Herr he made me like German and ive been trying to find more information on German so that I can learn the whole language. I love German thanks to Herr Meister and I will miss him alot. God Bless the family of Dieter Meister. I will be praying for you all and all of the friends of Dieter Meister.
Herr Dieter Meister you will be truely missed.
Star Pippin-Buchanan
January 4, 2007
Herr Meister was a great teacher! I was lucky enough to have him for a teacher for four years. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be missed Herr!
Chuck Progar
January 4, 2007
To my souper (and super) friend, Dieter Meister:
Every time that I make or eat soup (especially Green Pea Soup), you will be remembered. Souping will never be the same.
Rest in peace, Dieter!
Jackie Troupe (Collins)
January 4, 2007
I was saddened when I read about Herr Meister passing. Herr Meister was my favorite teacher. He had a way of making me laugh even if it was a look that he would give me for talking in class. I always told myself that I needed to see him after graduation but life leads us in different paths and I never did. I will hold that regret. He will be missed.
Jutte Collins
Jackie
January 4, 2007
Herr was a great Teacher and I will miss him.
Dede Buttram
January 3, 2007
I had the pleasure of working with Herr at Scott School right before his retirement. He was always such a kind and caring person. He will be greatly missed by all but he is in a better place now. We have another angel watching over us.
Kristian Walker
January 3, 2007
I was very upset to hear that Herr Meister passed away. I regret never going back to Morton and visiting with him. He made a big difference in my life and I hoped he knew that. Thank you Herr Meister for being such a wonderful person and teacher. I'll never forget you!!!
Kaitlin McNerlin
January 3, 2007
Herr Meister,
All of us in Deutsch 3 and 4 are going to miss you so much. It hurts so much that you're gone, but I'm happy that you're not suffering anymore. Though, I'd give anything to have you teach us just one more class.. even if you were teaching baby Deutsch or giving a quiz, or even working with the other class the whole hour.
I'm sure that none of us will ever forget you, Herr, especially not after the years you taught us and made us enjoy learning a new language, something that is potentially very difficult. All you ever did was make it fun and interesting, and I'm so thankful for that.
Truly, you were and still are the only teacher who's gained my trust as a good friend as well as a teacher. I (and, I'm sure, the rest of us in German 3&4) will miss you like crazy. Even more than we missed you this last Trimester after your retirement. And seeing as how we went on daily about how much we missed you, that's a whole lot.
So before this entry turns into even more of a rambling mess, I'll cut it off.
<3Kaitlin McNerlin (Strange Child)
Theodore Slavo
January 3, 2007
Herr is a fine teacher and he will be missed by those who recieved his teaching.
LOLA SANUTH
January 3, 2007
BEST WISHES TO HIS FAMILY
Bryan Woerner
January 3, 2007
I also had the great pleasure of having Herr Meister as a teacher and he was one of the best. I will remember his very good sense of humor and his patience with me.
Janet Nelson Vinke
January 3, 2007
To Dieter,
To a dear, loving brother in Christ, whom I met at Christian Sands many years ago. We always had good times and fond memories. Your love for Jesus, the church and to your friends, will always be rememberd. I am so glad your in the arms of Jesus, no pain anymore and a fellow that will be missed by all.
We loved you.
s
Carrie Bodenhofer-Sovola
January 3, 2007
Herr Meister was my favorite teacher. My husband, Jason, was lucky enough to take a class trip - guided by Herr - to Germany. I am sad to learn of his illness, but happy to know that he is no longer suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and former students. Rest well, Herr!
Sarah (Spraggins) Nowaczyk
January 3, 2007
I had the pleasure of having Herr as a teacher for 4 years at Morton High School. He was a great teacher, someone I will always remember. Herr made learning the German language fun and interesting. I haven't seen Herr in quite a few years, but I will miss him.
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