Elaine Meyer

June 1, 1925 - December 15, 2020

Elaine Meyer, age 95, of Storm Lake, Iowa died on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Private family graveside services will be held in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Public visitation will take place on Friday, December 18, 2020 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Masks and social distancing are required for guests in attendance at the services. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The family will not be present for the visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Mary's Catholic Church 320 Seneca St, Storm Lake, IA 50588 or UnityPoint Hospice 214 S 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Elaine Mae Meyer, the daughter of John and Nellie (Rohde) Janssen, was born in a farmhouse outside of Nemaha, Iowa on June 1, 1925. Elaine attended school in Nemaha where she graduated high school in 1944. Elaine was a vivacious and active person with many interests and skills. In her early years, she played the snare drum in the school band, sang in the school choir and was a basketball star. She especially loved singing while her father played music at house and barn dances. After she graduated from high school, she moved to Storm Lake and lived with her sister Ruth Ann, both working at the telephone company. January 16, 1947, Elaine was united in marriage to Bernard (Ben) Meyer at the Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. This began a loving, supportive marriage that spanned 71 years. Elaine and Ben 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. The couple was blessed with three children: Vicki Lee, John Paul, and Michael William. Elaine was a skilled seamstress and baker. When the children were young, she made most of their clothes and her cinnamon rolls and raised donuts were famous in the neighborhood. Besides taking care of an active growing family she worked many years at local retail stores. Family, faith, and friends were always her core values. Elaine cherished family gatherings, especially when everyone came together for holidays, birthdays, and any occasion. She was a warm, generous hostess. She and Ben attended countless events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Elaine was a valuable member of St. Mary’s parish. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Church Choir, St. Mary’s Quilting Guild, and Catholic Daughters of America. She and Ben volunteered for St. Mary’s SOS for many years. She lived her faith through her heart and actions. Elaine lived a full and happy life, and she’s not done yet - we are certain that she has Dad busy helping her redecorate Heaven in PINK! Those left to cherish her memory include her children: Vicki (Richard) Matthaidess of Early, Iowa; John (Joy) Meyer of Estero, Florida; Michael (Kathleen) Meyer of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren: Chad (Lori) Matthaidess; Tim (Sheri) Matthaidess; Troy (Megan) Matthaidess; Benjamin (Jacqueline) Meyer; Emily (Nathan) Williams; great-grandchildren: Bailey (Nathan Pauli), Hannah, Jake, and Jaden Matthaidess; Cole and Sydney Matthaidess; Trevor and Emma Matthaidess; Bennett Williams; sister-in-law, Sandra Janssen; and extended family and friends. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie (Rohde) Janssen; husband, Bernard Meyer; sister, Ruth Ann (Virgil) Tillman; and brothers, Roland and Clark Janssen.