MEYER, DIETRICH "DICK" JOHN HENRY

Dick Meyer Dies; Services Held Wednesday A.M.

Most of this obituary is taken directly from notes which the deceased himself had prepared.

Dietrich "Dick" John Henry Meyer was born September 29, 1867 in the province of Hanover, Germany. There he was baptized in his infancy in the name of the Triune God. He was confirmed in the early spring of 1882, and soon after left for this country. For about a year he lived in the State of New York, and from there he moved to Minnesota. His next move was to Cheney, Kansas. Here at the age of 21 he became a voting member of St. Paul's Lutheran church. Soon after he moved to Haven and his church membership was transferred to the Haven Lutheran church. He was married to Marie Doris Harms on October 13 and "lived a very happy life at their home southeast of Haven." He was a father of three children, Minnie, Ella and Alvin.

Dick Meyer has always been a faithful member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. For some years he served on the church's board of elders. Even after he became a shut-in he still showed a lively interest in his congregation. Back in the first decade of this century he was a member of the board of control of St. John's College in Winfield. When automobiles first came into general use several trips were made to Winfield to attend board meetings, which was quite an undertaking at that time. For a while Mr. Meyer was a director of the Farmers Grain Co. of Haven. During the past years Dick Meyer left home only occasionally due to the fact that his hearing and sight were very poor. But despite these distressing conditions he was always quite cheerful.

His beloved spouse, with whom he had lived happily for almost 55 years, died on August 16, 1947, his daughter Minnie Stecher in June, 1951, and his son-in-law, Fred Oldenettel in May 1952. Others who preceded him in death were two brothers and one sister. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Ella Oldenettel, Haven, one son, Alvin Meyer of Buffalo, New York, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, other more distant relatives and many neighbors and friends. Dick Meyer died Monday morning at 11: 55 following a few days of considerable distress and discomfort, at the age of 86 years and almost 11 months.

Funeral services were held Wednesday with the Cantwells in charge, and with his pastor, the Rev. K. J. Karstensen officiating and with burial in the Lutheran cemetery. Mrs. Eugene Popp was at the organ and a number of young ladies sang several hymn selections. Pall bearers were: George Schlickau, Robert Stelter, Kenneth Meyer, Arthur Peitsch, John Meyer, Harold Johnson.

The text which Pastor Karstensen selected for Dick Meyer's funeral sermon was: "The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." II Timothy 4:18. (The Haven Journal (Weekly) Haven, Reno County, Kansas Thursday, August 26, 1954 Page - front *** column - 1 submitted by Rose Stout)

MEYER, MARIE DORIS (HARMS)

Marie Doris Meyer Claimed by Death

Marie Doris Meyer was born January 19, 1871 in Logansville, Wisconsin. Her parents were John and Maria Harms, who are numbered among the pioneer members of St. Paul's Lutheran church. In her infancy she was baptized in the name of the Triune God. As a small girl she came to Kansas with her parents and lived near the present town-site of Haven. She was instructed and confirmed by Pastor August Luebkemann. Her confirmation day was when she vowed faithfulness to her God and Savior was April 18, 1886. On October 13, 1892 she was married to Dietrich Meyer who had been living at Cheney, Kansas for a few years. At the time of their marriage they moved to a farm two miles southeast of Haven, where they lived throughout their married life. Three children were born to this union, Minnie, Ella and Alvin. Almost five years ago she and her husband were enabled to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Up until about a year ago Mother Meyer faithfully attended the services of St. Paul's Lutheran church. She has been a member of the Ladies Aid almost since its organization in 1916. During these past years she has been listed as an honorary member.

Throughout her life she enjoyed comparatively good health. A heart condition caused her to become somewhat nervous during these bygone months. She gradually grew weaker until she passed away last Saturday afternoon, August 16. On the day of her death, her age was 76 years, six months and 28 days.

She leaves to mourn her beloved husband, Dick Meyer, three children, Mrs. Walter C. Stecher, Mrs. Fred Oldenettel, and Alvin Meyer of Buffalo, New York, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, her one and only brother, Henry Harms, other relatives and many, many friends.

Funeral services for Mother Meyer were held Tuesday morning. At 9:30 a brief service was held in the home. At 10 the main service was held in the Lutheran church. Her pastor, Rev. K. J. Karstensen used the words of 2. Timothy 1, 12: "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against the day" as a text for the funeral sermon. A group of ladies sang several selections, one of these being the hymn, "My Spirit on Thy Care" which was also used at the occasion of the Golden Wedding in October 1942. Following this service, the earthly remains were laid to rest in St. Paul's Lutheran cemetery. Many memorial wreaths were also thoughtfully dedicated in loving memory of Marie Doris Meyer.

"I know my faith is founded on Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;
And this my faith confessing, unmoved I stand upon His word.
Man's reason cannot fathom the truth of God profound;
Who trusts her subtle wisdom relies on shifting ground.
God's Word is all-sufficient.
It makes divinely sure,
And trusting in its wisdom, my faith shall rest secure."

(The Haven Journal (Weekly) Haven, Reno County, Kansas Thursday, August 21, 1947 Page - front *** column - 3 submitted by Rose Stout)