"Carolyn and family, very sorry to hear of Jim?s passing. He was a very special friend and mentor to me over our years together at IBM. He always took me under his wing and taught not only about work, but more importantly about life. We will miss him, but he is with his Savior and we look forward to joining him in the future."
In loving memory of
James Edward Meyer
June 25, 1937 - January 18, 2021
James E. Meyer, age 83, of Rochester, MN died Monday, January 18, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.
James "Jim" Edward Meyer was born June 25, 1937 in Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Arnold and Eleanora (Wuertz) Meyer. He was a graduate of Austin High School in 1955 and Austin Junior College. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 14, 1956 in Minneapolis, MN. He obtained the rank of Private First Class and was honorably discharged. Jim married his loving wife, Carolyn Cain, on December 30, 1960 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN. They resided in Rochester, MN from 1960 to 1976, Hayfield, MN from 1976-2015 and returned to Rochester in 2015. Jim worked as a Systems Analyst at IBM for 31 years, until his retirement in 1991 and continued to farm for many years.
He cherished his wife and dearly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. When he wasn't on his beloved John Deere tractor, he could be found on the golf course, ready with a deck of cards or supporting his grandchildren's activities as their #1 fan. There was nothing Jim wouldn't tackle or couldn't fix. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, share a story or just take time to listen to friends and neighbors.
Jim was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for 59 years, where he served as an elder and usher. In addition to being a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club, Jim was a Little League Baseball and Hockey Coach in Rochester and later was a Legion Baseball Coach in Hayfield.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Carolyn Meyer of Rochester, MN; four children, Scott (Patricia) Meyer of Greenfield, MN, Jeffrey Meyer (Julie Daulton) of Burnsville, MN, Cynthia (David) Lewis of Stewartville, MN, Christine (Nathan) Klema of Prior Lake, MN; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Meyer (Kiel Ortega), Brady (Kourtney) Meyer, Taylor Meyer, Thomas Lewis, Justin Lewis, Alexis Klema and Andrew Klema; brother-in-law, Robert Eggleston of Marion, WI; sisters-in-law, Carol Meyer of Mound, MN, Eileen (Richard) Miller of Rochester, MN, Jacqueline Cain of Dodge Center, MN; nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Eleanora Meyer; granddaughter, Katrina Marie Meyer; brothers, Robert (Florence) Meyer and Arnold Meyer; sisters, Irma (Vern) Mueller and Theadale Eggleston; and brother-in-law, Grayston Cain.
Private family services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN. Interment with full military honors will be held on Friday, January 22 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN or American Cancer Society.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Meyer family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"So very sorry he was alway happy and would stop and visit when we saw him! Deb (Roland) Logan, work at Menards neighbor from CCManor , Ken Roland my dad from CcManor"
"Forever in our hearts! We will miss you, but will never forget you! Love, Dick & Kathy Goodman & family"
"The Meyers would occasionally sit behind my family at church. Once at the end of a service he tapped me on the shoulder and told me I had good boys. Anyone who has tried to keep little boys still during church will understand how much those words meant to me. I did not know his name, but I will always remember how he made me feel that day."
"Carolyn and family, we are saddened to hear of Jim?s passing but rejoice in his celebration of being welcomed by the Lord to his heavenly home. There are so many fond memories of our family?s connection to your family and Jim?s parents and siblings. May you find God?s comfort and love at this time. Jerry and Judy Bonkoski"
"Carolyn and family, we are saddened to hear of Jim?s passing but rejoice in his celebration of being welcomed by the Lord to his heavenly home. There are so many fond memories of our family?s connection to your family and Jim?s parents and siblings. May you find God?s comfort and love at this time. Jerry and Judy Bonkoski"
"We met Jim a few years ago when we bought a John Deere 50 from him. It was a pleasure visiting with him. Sorry for your loss."
"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time , he was a great husband , father and grandfather.
He will be missed !
"