Lyle Thomas Meeker

MIDDLETON - Lyle T. Meeker, age 79, passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, with his family at his side after ten years of battling Alzheimer’s. He was born Sept. 21, 1941, in Richland Center, the son of Thomas and Florence (Ferstl) Meeker. He married the love of his life, Marian J. Mueller on Aug. 10, 1964. Lyle was raised by his mother and paternal grandmother, Alvina (Nachreiner) Meeker. He delivered several paper routes as a young boy through his graduation from Richland Center High School. He attended Richland County Teachers’ College and taught and served as Principal at Middleton Junction School. Lyle went on to serve many roles at New York Life Insurance Company where he retired after 33 years. He enjoyed volunteering as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison and working for Gunderson Funeral Home during his retirement. Lyle was a true family man. He took time to keep in touch with his mother, grandmother, family and friends. Traditions were important and he always provided his family with a wonderful time. He enjoyed playing baseball (shortstop), golf, Euchre, and Uno, calling Bingo, going bowling and gambling, but “never getting hurt.” He was active in the Jaycees, Knights of Columbus and St. Bernard Catholic Church. Lyle loved people, but no one as much as his wife, Marian. They had a special love and respect for each other. Even with Alzheimer’s, he continued to propose to her. He is survived by his wife, Marian; daughters, Paula Forss and Penny Danks; son, Peter; brothers, Dennis and Jim (Marilyn) Meeker; sisters-in-law, Janet Pulvermacher, Betty (Scott) Banker, Donna Olson (Jap McCarthy) and Sharon Bridge; grandchildren, Brandon (Cassidy Wilbourne) and Brent Meeker, Brian Henry Forss (Kelly Stearns) and Autumn Forss, and Jessica, Cassidy and Cameron Danks; and great-grandson, Jack Meeker. He was blessed with many great friends, especially Ron Braem, who was more like a brother. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Brooke Meeker; sisters-in-law, Jane (Mergen) Meeker and Charlotte (Mueller) Wood; brothers-in-law, Ray, Bernard “Pug,” Harry, Bob, Jerry and Gene Mueller, Harold Wood, Rich Pulvermacher and Dan Bridge; and daughter-in-law, Tammy Meeker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, with Father Thomas Kelley presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Tuesday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. “Keep it between the lines.” Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761