On Sunday, Nov. 11, Russell (Russ) Wayne Meier, 63, Monroe, while at home surrounded by his family, left this earth and his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease to go to his long-awaited home in Heaven.
Russ was born Sept. 26, 1955, at the Monroe Hospital, the son of the late Wesley and Dorothea (Sacker) Meier of South Wayne. He graduated from Black Hawk High School in South Wayne in 1973, where he exceled in track and band, playing the baritone and trumpet.
Russ worked several jobs until landing his dream job as a custodian at the Monroe Middle School in 1978. He retired in 2014 with 35 years of service.
Russ married Corrine Hill of Portage at the Portage United Methodist Church on Sept. 9, 1978, and they just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have three children: Joshua (Zoe Buehl); Melissa (Ben) Borke; and Michelle (Ross) Bisegger, all of Monroe. They have two grandchildren: Ivy Borke and River Bisegger.
Russ also is survived by three brothers and a sister: Dennis, Monroe; Diane (Don) Hawkinson, rural Gratiot; Gary (Angela Cunningham), Russellville, Arkansas; and Tim (Lisa Kolosso), Verona; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family members.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents Freddie and Alta Meier and Edward Sacker and Frieda Sacker.
Russ loved talking with people. He loved to tell jokes, make people laugh and serve others. Besides placing his Lord first in his life, then his wife and children, he had a passion for singing, especially Southern Gospel Quartet style four-part harmony and singing bass.
Russ was a member of the Monroe Bible Church. He sang in the choir, served as a deacon, song leader and prayer warrior, and as an Awana leader for 25 years. Russ is now singing in heaven and is resting with Jesus, the Savior of the World.
A Celebration of Life Service, conducted by Pastor Dan Krahenbuhl, will be held at the Monroe Bible Church at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, with a time to meet with the family from 10 a.m. until time of the service and also from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, at the Monroe Bible Church. A private burial will be at a later date at the Union Cemetery, South Wayne. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
