Wilfird "Bill" Charles Meier

Wilfird Charles "Bill" Meier, aged 91, left this earthly realm on February 9, 2023 at the Brookdale Pinehurst Facility. He was born on September 23, 1931 in Marienthal, Kansas, the 7th of eleven children, to Mathew and Anna (Bieker) Meier.

 

Bill was ready for an adventure and left school in 1947 to enter the Army. After basic training in California, he was sent to Europe where he was stationed until early 1952. He became a civilian once again, working as a mail clerk, book binder and printer until his re-enlistment in the Army in 1955. Over the next 3 years he was stationed in Korea and Ft. Meade MD. In 1958 he transferred to the Air Force, starting at Lincoln AFB, NE. Always on the move, Bill and the family had the opportunity to live at Warner Robbins AFB GA, Soesterberg AB, The Netherlands, Sunnyvale CA, and Kirtland AFB NM. He was sent to Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand where he earned the Bronze Star, and retired as a Technical Sergeant from Francis E. Warren AFB WY on October 31, 1971. He relocated to Denver, working for Gates Rubber Company, the Air Force Accounting & Finance Center, and the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation until his civilian retirement in 1994. Bill was always busy, working part-time jobs over the years in gas stations, lumber yards, airports, and libraries. Always curious and ready to learn, Bill obtained his GED while stationed in Europe and his Associate Degree from Metropolitan State College in 1980.

 

On October 31, 1953, he married Bernita Riedel in Denver. Together they had 7 children. He is survived by six of them: Sandi (Marlin) Jordet of Fort Morgan, CO; Mike of Denver, CO; Pam (Ben) Peterson of Snyder, CO; Randy (Christine) of Spokane, WA; Nancy (Mike) Giacomozzi of Englewood, CO; Susan of Lakewood, CO. A daughter, Janet Rose, was born and died in the Netherlands in 1967. Bernita passed away on November 13, 1971. Bill reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Lorene (Brunner) Wiedersphan, and they were married on December 17, 1977. Through this marriage Bill gained three children, Debbie Swank of Keensburg CO, Jerry Wiederspahn and Steven (Theresa) Wiederspahn of Monument CO. Jerry passed away on June 27, 2004. Lorene passed away on December 25, 2021. In addition to his children, Bill is survived by eighteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is predeceased by a grandson and great-granddaughter. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Bill loved to play cards, travel, read, camp, water-ski, hot air balloon, and working around the house doing DYI projects. He and Lorene traveled the United States regularly visiting tourist attractions, old friends from his service days, and his family.

 

Bill's service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Thursday, February 23th at 1:15pm. Please enter the cemetery through the Funeral Entrance on Sheridan, and drive straight forward to Staging Area C. There will be a celebration of Bill's life immediately following the service at the VFW 9644 Hall located at 2680 W Hampden Ave, Sheridan, CO 80110.