Charles W. Meister

Charles Walter Meister “Chuck” age 86, of Plymouth, died on March 9, 2024.  Born at home, the youngest of 9, to Lola (Webb) Meister and George Meister on August 11, 1937, on the family dairy farm on Meister Road in Corcoran.  Chuck’s first school was a one-room schoolhouse.  He graduated from Robbinsdale High School.  Chuck served in the U.S. Army in Wiesbaden, Germany.  He became a meat cutter for 40 years beginning at a meat locker in Maple Plain, followed by Forester’s Meat Market, where he made lifelong friends.  He finished his career working in the meat departments of local grocery stores. He worked many hours, but still attended so many family events.  Camping weekends would involve him setting up camp Friday night, going to work all day Saturday, only to return Saturday night and pack up Sunday to return home.  Chuck loved to travel.  He took his family to all 48 contiguous states by road camping trips in his 1-2 week annual vacation time.  He managed to still see Alaska and Hawaii numerous times later. His wanderlust brought him all over Europe, South Africa, Mexico as well as South and Central America.   Chuck loved nature: gardening, hunting, fishing, golf – mostly to enjoy the quiet and beauty of outdoors.  He rarely missed a sunset and sunrise if possible.  Always looking for the green flash!  His yard included a pond, 10 gardens and over 50 flowerpots!  He biked, walked, played cards, did crosswords and puzzles. He loved his children, their spouses and grandchildren unconditionally.  He was a gentle, loving person to his family and friends with a great sense of humor.  His children brought home their friends at every stage of their lives, to simply sit at the kitchen table together, talk and laugh. Family celebrations of birthdays, Christmas and holidays often had an extra friend invited and were huge celebrations. 

His philosophy for a close family and happiness was: listen, be kind, be honest and don’t worry.  He began his journey with Alzheimer’s disease with a fondness for Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel) and How Great thou Art (Carrie Underwood).  He was able to spend a few years at home, due to his wife, Phyllis’ support and devotion.  We appreciate all she did to allow him to be home as long as possible, even during the pandemic.  He ended up the past 2.5 years at The Wellstead Of Rogers quietly, but comfortable, walking miles a day.  He is preceded in death by his parents, son, Michael Joseph Meister, siblings, Irene (d. Bernard) Barthel, George (d. Pat) Meister, Jean (d. Ray) Laurent, and Mary (d. Leon) Leuer.  Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis (Pettit) Meister, siblings, Joann (d. Joe) Hackenmueller, John (d. Joyce) Meister, Betty (d. Loren) Eull and Frank (Catherine) Meister, daughter, Tammy Meister, (Chris Schirber), son, David Meister, (Tracy [Kunz] Meister), grandchildren, Melanie (Meister) Greeninger, Joseph Meister, Samantha Meister, Francesca Schirber and Simon Schirber and over 50 nieces and nephews.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Parish Community of St. Joseph, 8701 36^th Ave. N., New Hope, MN, on Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9:30-11 a.m.  Luncheon will follow.  2 p.m. burial at Old St Thomas Cemetery, 9300 Trail Haven Road, Corcoran, MN.  We are grateful for the loving care of all the people at The Wellstead Of Rogers and Moments Hospice. Suggested memorial: Alzheimer’s  Association.