Eugene M. Meister
November 5, 1947 - February 22, 2016

"To the Meister family: I know I am terribly late on this and it probably won't be ready by those for whom it is intended. However, I will feel better for penning a few words. I actually accidentally found this. I had thought about Gene several times in the last week and decided to do a Google search. Sadly, I landed here. Even though Gene and I hadn't had much communication in recent years, the conversations we had in years past are treasured memories. Gene and Mary Ann are godparents to my oldest daughter, and I enjoyed every minute I spent in their company. I remember the many conversations in the locker rooms at Marshalltown at the state tournament while he was coaching at Bancroft St. John and those leaning on the school bus after the last out was in the books. My favorite story, however, was when I was at Pocahontas and attended a Pocahontas-Garrigan game in Algona. If memory serves me correctly, it was not Garrigan's night. Along about the fourth inning my cellphone rang, it was Gene on the other end, calling from the dugout. "Get out there and warm up," he said while laughing. I have many good memories of Gene, Mary Ann, Bernard and Thelma, Sr. Janet, and the Meister children that now become treasures. I am a better person for knowing him and them."

"the Meister family, Working with each of you was always a joy and the memories will always be there with joy."

"As I reflect on Gene's life and his unwavering dedication to the Bishop Garrigan Schools, I can't stop thinking about the fact that he and Diane Elbert passed from this life on the same day -- 3 years apart. God certainly declared black and gold day on February 22! From the Catholic song of farewell in this Jubilee Year of Divine Mercy: May the choirs of angels come to greet them; may they speed them to paradise...May the Lord enfold them in His mercy, may they find eternal life+++"

"Mary Ann, Condolences to you and your family. I remember many a trip to Oelwein on Mondays. May Gene rest in peace. I have so many good memories of him as a classmate. "

"Was sad to hear this news. He was my coach at Lake Mills School in the early 70's. Thoughts and prayers to the family. John Sorenson"

"No better man and no better friend than you, Gene. May you rest in peace until we meet again. You will forever be in my heart. Jerry Hanson"

"I was so sorry to hear about Coach Meister's passing. He was my baseball coach at Lake Mills in 1970-71. His knowledge of baseball was second to none. He taught us not just the fundamentals, but also the little things that would win ballgames for us. He was not much older than myself and my teammates at the time, but he had our total respect. He truly wanted each of us to be the best we could be. The time he would spend with us individually to improve our game was very much appreciated. When myself and my friends get together occasionally, we still talk about Coach Meister and what we learned from him. You never forget your baseball coach. Especially a good one like Coach Meister. I am truly sorry for your loss. "

"Great man, enjoyed listening to him at Baseball Coaches clinic. God Bless. "

"So sorry for your loss. Always remember Gene fondly as a classmate. May he rest in peace!"

"So very sorry to hear about Gene's passing. You are all in my prayers. Win or lose, Gene was such a class act. His teams may have won a lot of games including some very big ones, but his biggest win was how he played the game of life. Gene, rest in peace. Scott France"

"Our sincere sympathy to Mary Ann and their family, and to Bill and his family as well. When I was a child I spent many happy hours playing with my cousins Gene, Bill, and Dennis on Bernard and Thelma's farm. Although our paths seldom crossed in later years, I have always remembered those times with great fondness. Gene was so talented and respected, and gave so much of himself to so many. May he rest in peace! Joyce Schroeder Amdor and husband Jack Amdor."

"Gene will be greatly missed by the baseball world! He was an ideal coach! I'm am much richer as a person because I got to know Gene! He served the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association in many ways! We have become a better organization because of Gene's input and knowledge. God Bless Him! Pinky Primrose"

"Heartfelt Sympathies to the Meister family upon the loss of Gene. He was a great coach and school administrator but an even better person and role model for his students. We may never now the huge number of people he positively impacted besides his students -- colleagues, fans, coaches, media, etc. His achievements were never about himself but rather his students. He never dwelled on the negatives in others but emphasized the good. In an axiom of the sport he so dearly loved, I am sure he truly is now "Safe at Home!""

"I am so sorry my tribute was garbled. I wanted to say that I wish the family my deepest sympathy. Bernard and Thelma, his parents were my Godparents - Thelma was my cousin. I send my prayers at this time of loss."

"Our sympathy re(my cousin and Godmother), but I remember times we shared when we were children. I am so happy that he was able to make such an impact on so many people, especially the young. I wish I didn't live so far away in Virginia, so that we could have visited more. All my love and prayers are with you. Cliff Schroeder and wife Judy."

"Heartfelt sympathies to the Meister Family upon the passing of a great coach and school administrator but an even better man. His rich success was never about himself but about the young people he coached. Always one to see the good in people, he never dwelled on negatives and in doing so set a standard of conduct for his students. We will likely never know the great number of other lives he touched -- colleagues, opponents, umpires , media, fans, etc. In an axiom of the sport he so dearly loved, he is now surely "Safe at Home!""

"May Gene rest in peace and enjoy the heavenly reunion with his loved ones. He'll be missed here in Carroll at the CYO baseball tournaments. Condolences from his St. John's classmate, Diane."

"My deepest sympathy to the Meister family. Gene's dedication to God, family and students set the bar for anyone who knew him. From my days in high school and through adulthood, there was never a time that I spoke with Gene that he didn't make me feel like I was the most important person around. He'll be missed by many. RIP Coach Meister."

"My prayers go out for Gene, Mary Ann and family. He and I had a conversation a few years ago in Algona after having not seen him for some time. I'll always remember it. We talked about family and life and baseball of course. He was happy, strong and at peace in the face of challenges because of his faith. He was such a good man and great example for the rest of us. "

"Prayers to the Meister Family. Gene was a great man who was devoted to his family and his church. May your many memories of him help you through this time. "

"To the Meister family: My family's thoughts & prayers are with you all. Mr. Meister touched so many lives. He will be missed. Danielle Elbert Hartle"

"To the Meister family.....thinking of you at this difficult time. Coach Meister made coming to the ballpark enjoyable everyday and the life lessons mixed it with his coaching will always be remembered. Enjoy many more victories in heaven."

"I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Mary Ann and the children. I have vivid and very fond memories of Gene and Mary Ann when Gene and I went to Mason City JC and Mary Ann worked in Osage. God Bless you ALL"

"I was a student of his in Boxholm. He was a great teacher and principal, and the best basketball coach I ever had. Even to goofy high school kids, it was obvious he was a man of faith who cared about his guys."

"Mary Ann, Rob, Mark and families, I'm so very sorry to learn of Gene's passing. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers, especially in these upcoming days and weeks. Mr Meister was such a wonderful man and a gift and light to all who knew him. I feel blessed to have known him. I know the reunion in heaven must have been a grand slam with Brad, Bernard and Thelma, and Gene's brother!!! God bless you all!! Love, Sara (Ulses) Brinker"

"The world had a great gentlemen ,but GOD has gained a great Servant. I will miss his wisdom in the classroom and on the field. My sincere prayers to his family. Dr.LeRoy Strohman"

"Sooooo sorry to hear of Eugene's passing. Have many fond memories of all the fun times as kids. Too many to mention. You and your family are in my prayers."

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Coach. He made an extraordinary impact on me. I will always remember him. Chuck Carpenter"

"Mary Ann, Rob, Mark and the Meister Family, We extend our deepest sympathy to you. As a past school board member, I had the pleasure of working with Gene and witnessing faith in action. Throughout our many conversations and meetings during those years Gene often referred to the saints living among us - ordinary people living their daily lives in an extraordinary way. Gene was that person, that saint who lived the Gospel message everyday. Your time was too short and yet I am grateful for that time! Eternal rest grant unto you. Verne and Judy Reding Family"

"Enjoyed many visits with Gene over the years, one first class man. May your memories & faith carry you thru this hard time. Greg & Dee Stewart"

"I met Gene Meister nearly 50 years ago when he and Mary Ann moved to Lake Mills to teach and coach. We, too, had moved there the same year. Bert Hanson, my ex-husband, was also a new teacher and coach. Gene and Bert became lasting friends. During that year, we four were inseparable even to the extent that he ate together every evening, alternating between our homes. As a result, I got to know Gene very well and I can truly say, that there has never been a more decent, honest and caring person. He is one of a kind, and while our lives went in separate directions, I have never stopped admiring him. Mary Ann, please accept my deepest sympathy. "

"Mary Ann, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Connie and Bob Ricke"

"The Meister family was a part of my life growing up. Dad and Mom and Bernard and Thelma and the boys and us 3 girls spent many holidays together and I remember especially the fun times at Lake Okoboji and all the Sundays spent at our house or at their farm. There are so many fun times to remember as we grew up. R.I.P. Gene and may God bless Mary Ann and your family and friends as they go though this tough time. Prayers and thoughts are with them."

"We were so shocked to hear of Gene's death. We just saw him at my dads funeral, his uncle, and did get to huge him. Little did I know it was the last time. We are so sorry Mary Ann, Rob, and Mark. Our sympathy to you and all of your family. Loryce and Mike Patterson. "

"Gene had a lot of great plays, great wins, and great games. But after all the baseball and basketball games were over, I remember all the great life advice and guidance he offered during my years at Garrigan. All students and players were lucky to have crossed paths with him. RIP Coach and prayers to the Meister family, "

"Gene was not my coach on the baseball field, but in the classroom. He, along with Fr. O'Kane, hired me for my first teaching job at Bancroft St. John's. It was a wonderful experience that forever changed me. I will miss you, Gene, and I thank you and your entire family for all they taught me. I hope you are enjoying a "baby" manhattan in heaven! May you rest in peace!! Love, Laurie Porter"

"Very few people touch as many lives as Gene Meister did. He was a tremendous man: a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a mentor, a role model, and a friend. With regard to Catholic education, he was a titan, a leader, and a visionary. On the baseball field, he was a Hall of Fame coach: a leader and a mentor of young men. He had a monumental impact on my life and on the lives of countless others. As a baseball player, he taught me more about life than anything else. I remember his talks before and after games very vividly because of the messages that they contained about life. Anyone and everyone that came into contact with Gene Meister was a better person for it. He was a generous, wise, and caring man who gave so much to so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Meister family, and to everyone else who loved and cherished this man."

"Just wanted to drop a note, and let you all know we are thinking about you! Was a privilege to get to share the field with Gene and the times talking baseball will never be forgotten. You always did it right Gene!! Thanks so much.. God Bless Marty Kurth Gehlen Catholic"

"To the Meister family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am sorry to hear about Mr. Meister's passing. His influence went from improving your handshake, to playing better baseball, to being a better person. I will always have fond memories and the utmost respect for him. Ryan Grandgenett "

"Mary Ann, Rob, and Mark: my prayers are with all of you as you mourn Gene's passing and celebrate Gene's amazing accomplishments and impact on others. Mr. Meister's impact on the boys he coached, the students he instructed and the family's he positively impacted over the years tell the measure of the man. He was a man for others who taught so many the value of work, Catholic education and faith. I am blessed because I was able to be coached and mentored by Gene. Heaven just gained another Hall of Famer!! Play Ball!"

"Mary Ann, Rob, and Mark, my prayers are with you in this difficult time. Gene had a lasting impact on my life and I will never forget him and his courage. Sue Ney"

"Mark, Jenni and family so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gene & Shelly Erpelding"

"Mary Ann and family, So sorry for your loss, Gene was a wonderful man, one of a kind. You and your family are in my prayers & thoughts through this difficult time. Terry & Susan Hall"

"Enjoy your family while preparing for the celebration of Genes life. It can be a very special time for your family. Stand with lots of pride. I'll be praying for all of you. God bless."

"Mary Ann, Rob and Mark - words cannot express what Gene has done for BGHS. Gene and Rob did a lot more than teach baseball to our boys. They really help mold boys into young respectful men. Showed them how hard work pays dividends in all aspects of life. I was always so proud when you would hear Genes voice on the radio talking about Bghs and ending his comments with: this is Eugene Meister president of BGHS. RIP Eugene Meister!!"

"Mary and family. We are so sorry to here of Genes death. He will be missed by so many people. He is now in Gods hands an with his family. Someday all will be together again. Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this difficult time."

"Dear Mary Ann, Rob, Mark and families, So very sorry to hear of Gene's death, may you take comfort in the fact that his earthly suffering is now behind him-probably doing a little coaching in heaven right now! I so enjoyed working for him during the bean walking days and watching countless baseball games and visiting over the years! What a beautiful reunion it must have been with Bernard, Thelma, Dennis and Brad. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the services, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

"Enjoy the next few days as you share and hear the countless memories of the positive influence Mr. Meister had on so many lives. The Meister family is in our prayers. "

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Diane Kleinewebr"

"Dear Mary Ann, we are so, so sorry to hear that Gene, has gone to be with his Heavenly Father. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. We both went to school in Burt with Gene, and always loved talking to him at Garrigan functions where our Granddaughters attended, and other times. We as well as so so many will miss him and remember him always. Norm and Mary (Harms) Carlson Clarion, IA"

"I am so sad to hear about Gene's passing! I have a lifetime full of memories with the Meister's. Gene did so much for our family and I will be forever grateful to him! He was a wonderful, generous man and will be missed by so many! Abby (Bartolo) Costello"

"Mary Ann and family, we are so sorry to learn of Gene's death. Always remember our kids walking beans for your family and he always knew us whenever we saw him...keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts during this time..keep the memories alive and know that he was welcomed into heaven by his son, brother and parents... Stan and Mary Lowe"

"Gene had a huge and lasting impact on Garrigan and on the community. We will all miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ann and all the family."