Charles Meyer, 88 County Pioneer
Passes Thursday
A long and useful life was brought to a sudden close on Thursday, when Charles F. Meyer, well known County citizen passed away at his home very unexpectedly. He had attained the age of 88 years on December 7th, just passed, and while time had taken its toll, he had been well enough to enjoy a good Christmas with the children, grandchildren, friends, and other relatives.
When he arose Thursday he declined breakfast, and when he did not seem to improve, a physician was called, who recommended his removal to the hospital. Before this could be done, he slipped away quietly and peacefully.
Mr. Meyer was born in Greifswald, Germany on December 7th, 1867, and came to America with his parents when two and one half years of age. He was seven when the family moved to the present home site in what is now the Town of Morgan, and he resided here for 81 years. On November 4th, 1891, he was married to Miss Anna Jahnke at Stiles, who preceded him in death in 1938. Eleven children were born in this union, all of whom are living.
Mr. Meyer not only helped develop one of the finest farms in Oconto County but he was active in the development of the civic structure of his environment. He served the Town of Chase as Supervisor, before the new boundary lines organized the Town of Morgan. He was then Chairman of the Town of Morgan for 6 years, and in his position on the County Board of Supervisors, helped with the growth and development of Oconto County.
The Morgan Central School, where his children received their elementary education was a point of interest for this father as he served as Treasurer of the Board of Education for 36 years."
With the spread of the telephone system, Mr. Meyer helped organize the Morgan Telephone Company and was its President for many years.
He was interested in the marketing of farm products, and became active in the Falls Canning Company, and was President from 1917 until 1931. From its inception until the last meeting held December 11th, 1955, he was a member and attended all meetings of the Canning Company's Board of Directors. He served a period as Director of the Oconto County State Bank. A single honor came to him in 1911 when Governor Francis E. McGovern appointed him to the State Board of Agriculture, serving the three year term with great credit.
These dates are only highlights in the life of a man who really contributed much to the development of rural life on many levels, from his own farm to the State organization." His contributions to many other causes are innumerable, but they serve to make Mr. Meyer's life one fraught with service and goodwill. His example is one all could well use as a pattern.
The remains were taken from the O'Neil Funeral Home on Friday to the Meyer home to lie in state in the comfortable living room which has been the family center through the years. The Reverend Wilber Lindsley of Grace Lutheran Church conducted the rites there on Sunday afternoon. A niece, Mrs. Aaron Rudolph presided at the piano and Mrs. James Schaub sang, "Abide With Me" and "In They Holy Father's Keeping." The remains were carried to their resting place in the Morgan Cemetery by six Grandsons: Arthur and Arnold Birr, Charles Kliefoth, LaVern Krause, Elmer Garbrecht, and the Reverend Robert Garbrecht of Avoca.
Survivors are six daughters, Cora, Mrs. Arthur Kliefoth, Appleton; Alice, Mrs. Ernest Birr, Horicon; Minnie at home; Etta, Mrs. Otto Garbrecht, at home; Edna, Milwaukee; Arleen, Mrs. James Sanders of Brookfield, Illinois; five sons: George of Oconto Falls; Edward of Boulder Junction; Roland of Chippewa Falls; Emmett of Spuce and Carl of Oconto Falls. He also leaves 21 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, a brother William of Shawano, and a host of relative and friends.
It is difficult to see our "Builders of the Past" pass on, but grief is assuaged by a review of the heritage they have left in the pages of history. Mr. Meyer will be greatly missed, but the memory of his kindly personality and his lifetime of service will never pass away. The family has the sincere sympathy of all as they adjust to life without the presence of "Dad" and "Grampa".