John Meyer

Meyer, John W. MADISON/MCFARLAND - John W. Meyer, age 44, died on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, at UW Hospital after a short battle with brain cancer. He was born on March 15, 1963, in Menominee, Mich., the son of Wayne and Barbara (Brendemihl) Meyer. John attended Madison schools until his freshman year when he transferred to McFarland, graduating in 1981. During high school his interest in travel peaked with a 4H trip to Italy and as an AFS student exchange to France. He furthered his education at UW-Stout and then went to Southwest Travel Academy in Florida. Most of his working years were spent in the travel industry. He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, Broadway Theater, and volunteering as a crew member for ACT AIDS rides. John was a great cook and hosted many family gatherings. He especially loved Christmas with his family. He is survived by his partner of seven years, Dana Crumpton of Madison; his parents, Wayne and Barbara of McFarland; sister, Kimberly (Alex) Kessler of Webster Groves, Mo.; the two lights of his life, Leah and Ryan Kessler; grandmother, "Nana" Merilyn Hodges of Florida; several aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. Funeral services will be held at MCFARLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5710 Anthony St., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, with the Reverend Wayne Shannon officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove. Visitation will be at the church from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McFarland United Church of Christ or to Act 6 AIDS ride, c/o Aids Network, 600 Williamson St. Madison, WI 53703. Johns family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Ian Robins and staff at UW Oncology Dept for the care they gave to John.