David Lee Meyer

David Lee Meyer, “Pa”, 73, passed away suddenly on Thursday July 9th, 2015 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois. He was born on August 1st, 1941 in Aurora, Illinois to the late William and Margaret (Kanta) Meyer.

After the death of his father in 1944, in the Philippines, while serving in the Navy during World War 2, Dave’s mother returned to her hometown of Joliet with him and they lived in the Forest Park area. Dave attended Saints Cyril and Methodius grade school and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School in 1959. After high school, he began working at the U.S. Post Office in Joliet.

In March 1964, he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, assisting in the training of soldiers preparing for combat in Vietnam and working in the mailroom. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct medal, achieved the rank of sergeant and was discharged in March 1966. He returned home from Fort Polk on his new motorcycle. He then returned to work for the Post Office, where he retired after forty-two years of service.

On January 7th 1967, he went on a blind date with a coworker, Joan Oliver. Nine months later to the day, on October 7th, 1967, Dave and Joan were married at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. They were happily married for almost 48 years. Dave was a member of St. John’s, where he frequently served as a Eucharistic Minister and cross bearer. He, along with his wife, coached the St. John’s girls’ basketball team for 5 years.

Dave was a quiet and gentle man. He enjoyed watching the activities of his children and grandchildren, from sporting events to band concerts. He also enjoyed everything to do with bicycles - fixing them, selling them and most importantly riding them. He would go for bike rides often, attending many of the local bike riding events. He also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles with his wife, garage sales, clocks and playing PlayStation. He had a passion for gardening, spending countless hours in his yard, turning it in to a beautiful haven for all of God’s creatures. The Meyer family enjoyed going to Warren Dunes and taking yearly vacations to many of the National Parks, having fun together and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Once his children were married, vacations changed to the yearly trip to “the cabin” in the summer and to Pokagon State Park in the winter for tobogganing, hiking and games. The most important thing in his life was his family. He was always there whenever he was needed, which was often!

Survived by his beloved wife Joan; loving children David (Cathy) Meyer of Minooka; Joanie (Dennis) Hadley of Joliet; Jeff (Amanda) Meyer of Lockport; adoring grandchildren Katie and Timmy Meyer, Meagan and Aiden Hadley; Julia, Vincent and Sarah Meyer; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents William Edwin and Margaret Rita (Kanta) Meyer; his grandparents Nicholas P. and Margaret (Altringer) Meyer and Stephen and Margaret (Pisut) Kanta.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate live plants which could be added to Dave’s already beautiful garden.

Donations to The American Heart Association would also be appreciated.

A celebration of Dave's life will begin on Friday, July 17th, 2015 with visitation at Tezak Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00, then driving in procession to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 404 North Hickory Street, Joliet for a 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment to follow at St. John’s cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday July 16th, 2015, at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Pisut Funeral Services in charge of arrangements. For information, phone 815-722-0998.

Thursday, July 16, 2015
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tezak Funeral Home
1211 Plainfield Road
Joliet, Illinois 60435

Then driving in procession to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 404 North Hickory Street, Joliet for a 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial.

Friday, July 17, 2015
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tezak Funeral Home
1211 Plainfield Road
Joliet, Illinois 60435

Friday, July 17, 2015
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
404 N Hickory Street
Joliet, IL 60435

Friday, July 17, 2015
2:00 PM

St. John the Baptist Cemetery
Ruby Street
Joliet, IL 60435