MEYER, Donald E

Donald E. Meyer Sr., 82, of Grand Island, died Monday, February 2, 2004 at the St. Francis Medical Center. The family will greet friends on Sunday, February 8th from 3:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the Saddle Club. Mr. Meyer's body was cremated and there will be no visitation. Burial of the ashes will be at a later date at the Grand Island City Cemetery. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Meyer was born on October 22, 1921 in Louisville, Nebraska to George M. and Pearl M. (Jardine) Meyer. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife Gloria of Grand Island; one son, Donald E. Meyer Jr. of Grand Island; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jane & Jim Beran of Omaha, and Ann & Jack Gosda of Grand Island; five sisters and three brothers-in-law, Lila Bickford of Lincoln, Betty Lu & Vern Smith of California, Isabelle Lindsey, Margaret & Richard Keckler and Lucille & Don Fleming all of Weeping Water, Nebraska; four brothers and three sisters-in law, Kenneth & Virginia Meyer of Weeping Water, Arvin Meyer and Gene & Peggy Meyer of Louisville, and Orville & Lola Meyer of Lincoln. Additional survivors include seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Mr. Meyer received his education in Weeping Water. He entered the U.S. Coast Guard in March of 1940. He was stationed in New London CT. and then served over seas in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1945. He married Gloria LaRocca on October 5, 1944 in New Haven, CT. The couple moved to Grand Island in 1948, and he was employed by the J.M. Lingeman Company. In 1958, he started Don Meyer Refrigeration and was active in the business until the time of his death. His son, Don Meyer Jr. will continue in the business. Mr. Meyer loved motorcycles, and traveling. On his 70th birthday, he went on a month long trip on his motorcycle to Alaska traveling 10,500 miles. He also traveled extensively in the U.S. He was a member of the Saddle Club, the Platte-Duetsche, a long time member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, the G.W.R.R.A. (Gold Wing Road Riders Association), and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) He was baptized in the Lutheran faith. Mr. Meyer was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Linvale, Larry, and Leon, and by one sister, Arlene Cook.