DAVID W. MEYER
DAVID W. MEYER
David W. Meyer died peacefully at his home Dec. 25, 2023. He was born Dec. 16, 1943, in Lester, IA, to Wilhelm and Virginia (Wischmeyer) Meyer. In 1946, the family moved to Neillsville, WI, where David resided for the majority of his life. He attended grade school at Meadowview School, a one-room schoolhouse, followed by seventh and eighth grade at St. John’s Lutheran School where he was confirmed. David went on to graduate from Neillsville High School in 1961.
David enlisted in the Navy immediately after graduation and completed his basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois. He was later stationed in Nashville, TN, San Diego, CA, and Shemya Naval Air Station, Alaska. David specialized in electronics while in the Navy and completed his service in 1964. He was incredibly proud of his military service. David enjoyed volunteering at the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 and regularly attended events at The Highground.
After leaving the Navy in 1964, David continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources. He went on to work for the National Park Service in Yellowstone National Park. In the early 1980s, David returned to Neillsville where he resided until his death. He held a variety of jobs in his lifetime - dairy farming, semi-truck driving, Lynn Dairy and foundry work.
David enjoyed collecting classic cars and military vehicles. He was a regular attendee at the Iola Car Show. David was incredibly independent and self-reliant, doing manual labor on the farm and harvesting wood for his furnace up until his death. While he would never admit it, David had a soft spot for animals, faithfully caring for his barn cats and various canine companions. He was a consistent presence at family holidays, though he famously avoided pictures. David was a long-standing member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Neillsville.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Wilhelm; brothers Sam MacGregor and John MacGregor; and sister Sharon MacGregor.
He is survived by his sister, Mary (Larry) DuBois of Neillsville; sister-in-law Karen MacGregor; nieces Kris (Adam) DuBois-Noe, Melissa DuBois, Jessica DuBois and Mary Beth McGowan; nephews Mike (Tami) MacGregor, Jamie (Debbie) MacGregor, Dan (Kari) MacGregor; and many great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Highground or American Legion Post 73 in David’s memory.
A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Daniel Schoessow officiated. Military rites will be accorded by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home. Burial was in Dells Dam Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.
Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting David’s family with funeral arrangements.