David L. Meek, 70, of Rochester passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Cascade Creek Memory Care, where he had resided for the last several months.
David Lester Meek was born on August 5, 1952 in Winona, Minnesota. He grew up in West Concord and Rochester, graduating from Mayo High School in 1970. On June 5, 1971 he married Cheryl Rae Fisher, they made their home in Rochester and eventually settled in Kasson. Dave worked in the Dodge County assessor’s office for more than 30 years, as well as serving in the United States Navy for 26 years.
After their retirement, Dave and Cheryl volunteered with their therapy dogs, for Season’s Hospice, Olmsted Medical Center, and various other organizations around SE Minnesota.
In 2018, Dave and Cheryl moved to Kingman, Arizona, where they enjoyed two years of exploring various places along Route 66, before Dave’s health brought them back to Minnesota to be near both family and Mayo Clinic.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cheryl, sons; Ryan (Lynda) Meek of Woodbury, Jason (Kate) Meek of Eden Prairie, and daughter; Melissa (Ron) Henrichs of Northfield; his seven grandchildren, Cerys and Emmerys Meek, Henry and Oliver Meek, and Madison, Melia and David-James LaRock, his beloved, four legged “kids” Kalie, Ella and Lexy. Dave is also survived by his sister in law Marylin (Dave) Ruzek and brothers in law Duane, Bob (Marilyn) and Ed (Billie), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents, and in-laws (whom he thought of as his own family) Ray and Irene Fisher, LaRae Fisher and Joan and Al Jozwaik.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the VFW Post 1215 in Rochester (2775 43rd St NW) from 1-4pm with a short program beginning at 1:15pm. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston at a later date, with full military honors.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Cascade Creek and Season’s Hospice for all the care, compassion and love you’ve all shown our husband, father and papa during the last months of his life. We truly love and appreciate you all.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Season’s Hospice or Mayo Clinic dementia research in Dave’s memory.
Memories and condolences of Dave may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Cheryl,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.You may come visit me anytime!!!
Sam.
Cheryl, So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’ve always wondered where you were as it has been years but I remember our times together fondly!
Cathy Simon Ruud
(Old Stewartville friend)
I am so sorry to hear that Dave has passed away leaving his family devastated I’m sure. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. You were a wonderful neighbor.
David you will be forever in my heart and mind. love you always. your sister Linda
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a generous man with his time who was always willing to help others. In his younger years he also was a VERY good distance runner.
With his passing at least he will no longer have to deal with his health issues.
Cheryl and family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend Dave’s celebration of life as I will be out of town but I will definitely be there in spirit for Dave.
Jason and Family – I always enjoyed visiting with your dad when he would stop in to see you at MBI. I would give him a hard time about my property values in Dodge County. He had such a great sense of humor. Prayers of comfort to you and our family at the loss of an amazing man.
Cheryl,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. It was always a pleasure to visit with Dave, whether it was after a road race, at All Comer’s Meet, or walking at the Mall. He will definitely missed by everyone that he came into contact with..
Cheryl and family,
I remember Dave as one of the kindest, happiest people around. He always had a smile and was happy, no matter how his day was going. We are sad that he passed, but we have many good memories of him and you do too. Remember the good times, because I’m sure that there were many!
Blessings for all of you as he will be missed by many! You are in our prayers!
Aunt Cheryl, Ryan Jason and Lissa,
I’m thinking of you daily and praying for Uncle Dave. I hop and am sure the ceremony today was wonderful. Stay strong knowing he remains with you.