LeRoy Dean Meier died at the age of 82 on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. LeRoy's last days were spent visiting with his family and reminiscing with photos and conversations. He was born July 15, 1941, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Edward and Maria (Wacker) Meier.
LeRoy married Donna Marie Briggs on Dec. 8, 1963. Together they shared five children, 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. LeRoy worked at Dubuque Packing House, Reece Construction and the Jewell County Road and Bridge Department, where he retired around 2006. He also held some odd and end jobs, but was known for tearing down old houses and barns to collect and sell the lumber, after he used what he needed to build his family home in Mankato. He spent countless hours enjoying outdoor activities that included camping with his family, hunting, fishing, raising a garden and canning his produce. LeRoy also was part of a league bowling team where he often bragged about one perfect game where he got a 300 score. His favorite past time besides telling tall tales was listening to the Royals' game on the radio (even if he had to go out to the car to do so) or watching them on television. Most of all he loved time with his family and giving his pups a ride around town.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; and siblings: Melvin Meier, Laverna Kirn, Larinda Meili, Hubbard Meier, Regina Henry, Dorothy Ann Meier, Thelma Klaussen, Robert Meier and Bernice Kruse.
Survivors include his three sons: Monty Briggs and wife, Jennifer, of Salina, Roger Meier and wife, Mary Ann of Mankato, and Shannon Meier and wife, Joni, of Mankato; two daughters, Lori St. John and husband, Stanley, of Mankato, and Angela Murray and husband, Brian, of Mankato; 21 grandchildren, Kayla and Jordy Webb of Salina, Colin Briggs and Laura Malacarne of Denver, Courtney and Sam Lambdin of Delphos, Jeramey St. John of Mankato, Stanley St. John Jr. of Mankato, Johannah Landrum of North Branch, Dustin St. John of Beloit, Alexys and Hunter Burger of Beatrice, Roger Jr. Meier of Mankato, Taygen Meier of Mankato, Robert Wunderle of Clifton, Samantha and Blake Meyer of Smith Center, Brent Murray of Hays, and Sarena Meier and Jack Gerstmann of Hays. He is also survived by his sister, Joann Schultz of Salina, and three brothers: Richard of Wichita, Eugene and his wife, Donna, of Salina, and Ronald of Towanda; sister in-law, Phyllis Briggs of Mankato; and brother-in-law, George Briggs and wife, Jessie, of California; 29 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his pup Tate, all of which he loved very much.
Visitation for LeRoy Dean Meier will be from 1 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 1, with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., at Melby Mortuary in Mankato. His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at the Mankato Lutheran Church, with Pastor Dennis Beckman officiating. Congressional hymns will be "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross" with recorded songs "I Can Only Imagine" and "Wade in the Water."
Casket bearers will be Colin Briggs, Jeramey St. John, Stanley St. John Jr., Dustin St. John, Roger Meier Jr., and Robert Wunderle. Honorary casket bearers are Jordy Webb, Sam Lambdin, Hunter Burger, Blake Meyer, Brent Murray, and Jack Gerstmann.
Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato.
Memorials may be made to Mankato Fire Department or Mankato Lutheran Church, and may be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas, 66956.
Melby Mortuary is assisting the Meier family with these arrangements, http://www.melbymortuary.com
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