Bernard "Ben" Meyer

September 7, 1923 - November 29, 2018

Bernard "Ben" Meyer, age 95, of Storm Lake, Iowa died November 29, 2018 at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, December 3, 2018 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE with a parish vigil service at 7:00 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary to follow. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Bernard Paul Meyer, the son of William and Barbara (Hebenstreit) Meyer, was born on September 7, 1923 in Storm Lake. Ben attended grade school and high school in Sulphur Springs, where he graduated from high school in 1941. On March 20, 1946, Ben enlisted in the United States Army where he faithfully served his country until he was honorably discharged on April 8, 1947. During his time of service, Ben served as a medical aidman and received the Victory Medal for his service. On January 16, 1947, Ben was united in marriage to Elaine Mae Janssen at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. This began a loving, supportive marriage of 71 years. Ben and Elaine were constant companions and each other’s best friend. Their love for each other was obvious to all who knew them, and their marriage relationship set the standard for others to follow. When asked what the secret was to their lasting relationship, he said, “Picking the right woman.” The couple was blessed with three children: Vicki Lee, John Paul, and Michael William. As a young man, Ben followed the family tradition of being a farmer. After some years, he moved into the agri-business side of farming, such as Farm Service. He was a soft-spoken (a family trait often called the Meyer Mumble) man of integrity that farmers knew they could trust. Even after retirement, he couldn’t resist the allure of the farm. He continued to help out part-time at Farm Service and in the fields. Keeping busy kept him young. He always said from an early age that he would live to be 100. In our book, making it to 95 rounds up to 100. A job well done. In his free time, Ben was an active member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, School, and SOS Store for over 70 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, Ben enjoyed golfing, walking, yard-work, carpentry and was also known as a handy-man, fix-it extraordinaire. As a young father, the front was always off the old washing machine, so he could tinker with it to keep it running - he was the true Maytag repairman. In his later years, his passions were simple - a good dish of ice cream and a game of cards. He was good at counting cards and changing the rules as needed to ensure a winning hand. Above all, Ben loved to spend time with his best friend Elaine and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was best known as “Gentle Ben” to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Elaine Meyer of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Vicki (Richard) Matthaidess of Early, Iowa; John (Joy) Meyer of Estero, Florida; Michael (Kathleen) Meyer of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren: Chad (Lori) Matthaidess of Park View, Iowa; Tim (Sheri) Matthaidess of Altoona, Iowa; Troy (Megan) Matthaidess of Eldridge, Iowa; Benjamin (Jacqueline) Meyer of New York City, New York; Emily (Nathan) Williams of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; great-grandchildren: Bailey, Hannah, Jake, and Jaden Matthaidess; Cole and Sydney Matthaidess; Trevor and Emma Matthaidess; and extended family and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, William and Barbara Meyer; brothers: Frank (Julia) Meyer; Edward (Nonie) Meyer; George (Lou) Meyer; Robert Meyer; and sisters: Margery (Francis) Connell; Sr. Mary Meyer; Catherine (Frank) Schmitt; and Eva (Leo) Feidler. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Mary’s Church or UnityPoint Home Care and Hospice.