Melvin “Mel” Meier, age 70, died Saturday, March 12, 2005 at University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City following an extended illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, March 15, 2005, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo with Pastor Douglas Morton officiating. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery with military honors. Friends may call from 4 to 8 P.M. Monday, March 14, 2005 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Memorials may be contributed to St. John’s Elevator Fund or the St. John’s Agape Fund.

He is survived by his wife Jan; a son, Michael and wife Pat of Marengo, two daughters, Jane Fry and husband Randy of Marengo, and Jodi Garrett and husband Michael of Swisher; 6 grandchildren, Jeremy, Roxanne and Dustin Meier, Samantha, Natalie and Benjamin Fry; a brother, Dennis and wife Glenda of Marengo, and a sister Nellie Weih and husband Gene of Tipton. In addition, he is survived by a sister–in-law, Jan Meier of Marengo and a brother-in-law, Clifford Danielsen of Bettendorf and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mardelle Danielsen and a brother, Allan in 2002.

Melvin Leonard Meier was born May 28, 1934 in Scott County, Iowa, the son of Leonard and Helen Reese Meier. He graduated from Wheatland High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1953 until 1957, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Mel married Janice M. Marks on October 22, 1955 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Bennett, IA. The couple lived in California during Mel’s time in the service. In 1965, the couple moved to Marengo where Mel worked at the Marengo Elevator for his brother, Allan. From 1976 until 1991 Mel owned and operated Meier Feed and Fertilizers. Most recently he sold seed for the Kruger Seed Company.

Mel was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marengo, serving as and elder and on many boards. He was a member of the Marengo American Legion Post #76 for which he served as chaplain.