Ruben E. Meier, age 93, of Grand Island, went home to be with his Lord on May 2, 2024.
A private family burial will be held at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery .Celebration of life and fellowship will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024 . Memorials suggested to the Trinity Lutheran School. Condolences may be left at www.giallfaiths.com.
Ruben was born March 7, 1931, on the family farm to William and Helen (Wiese) Meier. He was baptized, confirmed, and attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran School. After attending Grand Island Senior High, he was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Joyce Block on July 15, 1951. To this union four children were born and raised on the family dairy farm north of Grand Island.
Ruben was a lifetime dairy farmer and Holstein breeder. He began his love of Holstein cows at an early age, helping his dad, brother and sisters milk their cows by hand. In 1948, he built on of the first parlor type milking systems, making this task much easier. He enjoyed showing Holstein cattle throughout his life, starting in 4-H at county fairs, the Nebraska State Fair, and Ak-Sar-Ben. He later brought a number of show cows to the District Holstein and State Holstein shows, creating the legacy of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as cattle showmen/women.
He was a lifetime member of the State and National Holstein Associations and served for many years as Nebraska's delegate representative to the National Holstein Convention, as well as lifetime member of the Nebraska State Dairymen Association, serving as Chairman for many years. He also served as Director and Corporate Director for Mid-American Dairy Co-op Association. As farm life kept him busy, he thoroughly enjoyed the rare opportunities he did get to fly, being picked up at the local airport by the corporate airplane.
Ruben's faith and family were of utmost importance, along with his cows and farm. Ruben also served on numerous church and school boards and committees throughout his life. He could always be found with a smile, a tune to whistle, a keen sense of humor, and a sunny outlook on life. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: a good game of cards, a drive to look at the crops or the cows, and time with family and friends.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Debbie (Rich) Bringewatt of Elkhorn, Cyndi (Steve) King of Kearney, Valorie (Dave) Burke of Brady, and Randy (Julie) Meier of Grand Island; seven grandchildren, Angela (Mark) Burke, Justin Burke, Stephanie King, Rachel Bringewatt, Matt (Valorie) Bringewatt, Joshua (Kelsey) Meier, and Jordan Meier; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Joyce, and his second wife, Ardee; his parents, brother and sisters and one great-grandson.