John F. Meiske Jr.

1932 - 2021

John F. Meiske, Jr.

Harley, Iowa

On Sunday, April 11, 2021, John F. Meiske, Jr., of Hartley claimed his reward in Heaven at the age of 88 years.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley. Pastor Chris Nitzel will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Hartley. Arrangements are with Hartley Funeral Home.

John Frederick Meiske, Jr., the son of John and Sadie (Zinn) Meiske, Sr., was born June 7, 1932, in Hartley, the place where he would spend his entire life. He was baptized on July 3, 1932, and confirmed in May of 1946 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley. John received his education here as well, graduating from Hartley High School in 1951.

On June 6, 1954, he married LaVaughn Lill. Following their marriage, they moved to rural Hartley where they were blessed with four children: Lori, Lee, Ann, and David.

John farmed the Meiske family farm east of Hartley while operating Meiske Trucking, hauling cattle. After ending his trucking business, John continued farming and, for a few years, worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was then employed by the O'Brien County Road Maintenance Department until his retirement. John loved his job with the county, especially running the maintainer. He took great pride in keeping the county gravel roads in good condition. He also enjoyed driving around to check out his farm ground and see how all the crops were doing...a true farmer at heart.

John was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served as an usher and on the board of Trustees. Both John and LaVaughn dedicated many hours to help care for their son, Lee, who was injured in an accident. John's kind and giving nature remains as an example for all of us.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Lori Albrecht and husband, Dave, Ann Schauer and husband, Phillip all of Sergeant Bluff, and David Meiske and wife, Kris of Dakota Dunes; five grandchildren Emily Hinnah and husband, Wes, Adam Albrecht and special friend, Maria Gochenour, Luke Schauer and wife, Taylor, Hannah Duff and husband, Brian, and Sean Meiske; four great-grandchildren Josie Geisler, Hudson Hinnah, Bowman Schauer and Kinley Schauer; his brother, Jay Meiske and wife, Gerry of Eden Prairie, Minn.; several nieces and their families; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, LaVaughn on Oct. 28, 2006; his son, Lee on May 31, 2010; sister-in-law, Donna Meiske; brothers-in-law Louis, and Lloyd and his wife, Dorothy; and nephews Dennis Lill, Dean Lill, and Tommy Meiske.

Pallbearers are Wesley and Emily Hinnah, Adam Albrecht and Maria Gochenour, Luke and Taylor Schauer, Brian and Hannah Duff, and Sean Meiske. Honorary pallbearers are Wade Gebert, Willis Gebert, Roland Lenz, Josie Geisler, Hudson Hinnah, Bowman Schauer, and Kinley Schauer.