Since yesterday was Memorial Day in the US, I thought it would be appropriate to share a little bit about my Grandpa Dale, who passed away last week. The past week has been an emotional one for our family, but we are thankful for the many years we spent with Grandpa and grateful to know he is much happier now than he had been for the last several months.
Stephen and I spent this weekend scanning photos in preparation for a memorial service in a few weeks. I’m including a few of my favorites and an excerpt from the obituary my family wrote for Grandpa. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so there’s really no better way to tell you who Dale Meetz was than this.
Dale J. Meetz, 81 of Midway, Arkansas, formerly of Green Bay, Wisconsin passed away Monday May 23, 2011 at his residence. He was born May 22, 1930 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Charles and Mildred (Snell) Meetz.
He married Grace M. Berglin on October 8, 1951 in Waukegan, Illinois.
As a member of the Green Bay West High School graduating class of 1948, Dale played tailback position on the varsity football team, was active with the speech/recital team, and played the coronet in the swing, jazz and high school band.
While in high school Dale worked in the Green Bay canning and chicken slaughter plants, and worked as a plumber and electrician’s apprentice. He was also a good “shade tree” mechanic. His interest in engineering and electricity, math, and physics prompted him to attend the Green Bay area community college.
After one year, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy serving as a radio operator aboard the aircraft carrier CV # 34 USS Oriskany during the Korean War. Upon honorable discharge he was employed as lineman and craftsman for the Bell Telephone Company retiring after 33 years as the northern division supervisor for the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company.
Dale was a member of the Lutheran church, ALC, serving for a time as an elder.
He was a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America, received the Order of the Arrow award with troop 15, LaCrosse, Wisconsin and helped guide his son and grandson attain the rank of Eagle.
Dale continued to enjoy swing, jazz, and big band music and supported his grandson’s participation in these activities.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, camping, boating, trap shooting, and gardening.
He and his family enjoyed exploring new places and natural areas. A long time season ticket owner, Dale was a “die-hard” Green Bay Packer fan and was a strong Wisconsin Badger and Arkansas Razorback football fan.
Dale was a life member of the Twin Lakes Gun Club and National Rifle Association.
He served for a time as a volunteer for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at the Norfork fish hatchery.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Grace M. Meetz of Midway, Arkansas;
a son Michael C. Meetz and wife Linda of Nevada, Iowa; 2 daughters Kathryn A. Meetz of Torrington, Connecticut and Kim L. Griffin of Mountain Home, Arkansas;
4 grandchildren: Erin Griffin, Mt. Oliver, Pennsylvania, Emma Meetz, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Meredith (Griffin) Heard and husband Stephen, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Michael Griffin, Mountain Home Arkansas;
2 brothers Duane Meetz of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin and Donald Meetz, of Phillips, Wisconsin; and one aunt, Vernice (Snell) Kraft and husband, Vilas of Seymour, Wisconsin; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
We love you and miss you Grandpa Dale! Until we meet again…
