David Lee Meister

David Meister, son of George and Laura (Hunzeker) Meister was born on the family farm southwest of Humboldt, NE on Nov 17, 1928. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Johns Reformed Church, the country church started by his grandfather and others in 1884. He attended school at Dry Branch District #2 (the school his parents also attended) and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1946. David passed away on September 4th in Humboldt, Nebraska at the age of 89.

David farmed with his father until he entered the U.S. Navy AirCorps where he served from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he was schooled in aircraft familiarization, maintenance, and operation that prepared him to serve as flight engineer on multi-engine aircraft whose missions were transporting cargo and military personnel across the Atlantic to Europe, Africa, the Caribbean islands, as well as military installations in the United States.

While in the service, he married Rose Valarosi, also serving her country as a Navy Wave. They had two daughters, Anita and Marleen. Following their discharge from the Navy, they returned to Nebraska and settled on the farm south of Du Bois, NE where David resumed his farming operation while continuing to assist his father. Sometime later David and Rose divorced.

In 1963 David married Helen Olsen who became his dearest, constant companion and helpmate, inspiring and encouraging David in all their endeavors, always present with a helping hand harvesting, building sturdy fences, and assisting with cattle. Helen passed away in 1999.

David was noted for being a good steward of the land and found great contentment and satisfaction in his work. His fields were neat, his machinery well-maintained, and his work in the woodlands made them comparable to a city park. He loved animals, and he and his border collies were inseparable. His Simmental beef cows listened for the sound of his voice and came running when called.

David was a faithful member of the Du Bois United Methodist Church for many years.

David was preceded in death by his wife Helen; parents George and Laura Meister; sisters Mary, Jean (Willard) Redfern, Ella (Jim) Johnson, Dorothy (Earl) Farrow, and Ruth (Don) Lienemann; brother-in-law Donald Lienemann; stepson Daryl Olsen; stepdaughter Lynn Olsen.

Surviving him are his brother Ray (Myrna) Meister, daughters Anita (Larry) Boyd, Marleen (Mark) Anderson, granddaughter Emily Boyd; grandsons Andrew Boyd, J.W. Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Nicholas Anderson; step-granddaughters Mandy (Dorean) Christian, Brooke (Jason) Mitchell, and Megan (David) Loiacano; many nieces, nephews, and friends including a special friend of many years, Lori Dunafon who’s care over the last years was immeasurable.

Near the end, David expressed a deep appreciation for his life in Humboldt and Du Bois. He was honored to share so many friendships and be a part of these caring communities.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Du Bois, NE. Officiating Reverend Sherry Sklenar.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 7, 2018 at the Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment will be in the Du Bois Cemetery, Du Bois, Nebraska.  Memorials to family choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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