Leroy D. Meier

LeRoy Dean Meier passed away at the age of 82 on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City. LeRoy’s last days were spent visiting with his family and reminiscing with photos and conversations.  He was born July 15, 1941, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Edward and Maria (Wacker) Meier.

LeRoy married Donna Marie Briggs on December 8, 1963, and together they shared five children, 21 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren. LeRoy spent years working at Dubuque Packing House, Reece Construction, and the Jewell County Road and Bridge Department, where he retired around 2006. He also held some odd and end jobs, but was known for tearing down old houses and barns to collect and sell the lumber, after he used what he needed to build his family home here in Mankato. He spent countless hours enjoying outdoor activities that included camping with his family, hunting, fishing, raising a garden, and canning his produce. LeRoy also was part of the league bowling team where he often bragged about that one perfect game where he got a 300 score. I believe everyone would agree that his favorite past time besides telling some tall tales here and there was listening to the Royals’ game on the radio (even if he had to go out to the car to do so) or watching them on TV, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and giving his pups a ride around town.

LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Donna & siblings: Melvin Meier, Laverna Kirn, Larinda Meili, Hubbard Meier, Regina Henry, Dorothy Ann Meier, Thelma Klassen, Robert Meier and Bernice Kruse.

Survivors include his three sons Monty Briggs and wife Jennifer of Salina, KS, Roger Meier and wife Mary Ann of Mankato, and Shannon Meier and wife Joni of Mankato, two daughters, Lori St. John and husband Stanley of Mankato, and Angela Murray and husband Brian of Mankato; 21 grandchildren, Kayla & Jordy Webb of Salina, Colin Briggs & Laura Malacarne of Denver, Courtney and Sam Lambdin of Delphos, Jeramey St. John of Mankato, Stanley St. John Jr. of Mankato, Johannah Landrum of North Branch, KS, Dustin St. John of Beloit, Alexys and Hunter Burger of Beatrice Neb., Roger Jr. Meier of Mankato, Taygen Meier of Mankato, Robert Wunderle of Clifton, Samantha and Blake Meyer of Smith Center, Brent Murray of Hays, and Sarena Meier and Jack Gerstmann of Hays. He is also survived by his sister Joann Schultz of Salina, and three brothers, Richard of Wichita, Eugene and his wife Donna of Salina, and Ronald of Towanda, sister in-law Phyllis Briggs of Mankato, and brother-in-law George Briggs and wife Jessie of California; 29 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his pup Tate, all of which he loved very much.

Visitation for LeRoy Dean Meier will be Friday, September 1, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at Melby Mortuary in Mankato. Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 2, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at the Mankato Lutheran Church, with Pastor Dennis Beckman officiating. Congressional Hymns will be “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross” with recorded songs “I Can Only Imagine” and “Wade in the Water.”

Casket bearers will be Colin Briggs, Jeramey St. John, Stanley St. John Jr., Dustin St. John, Roger Meier Jr., and Robert Wunderle. Honorary Casket Bearers are Jordy Webb, Sam Lambdin, Hunter Burger, Blake Meyer, Brent Murray, and Jack Gerstmann.

Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Mankato Fire Department or Mankato Lutheran Church, and may be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas, 66956.

Melby Mortuary is assisting the Meier family with these arrangements, www.melbymortuary.com