August “Junior” Meester, Jr., 73

August “Junior” Meester, Jr., age 73, of Aplington and formerly of Waterloo, Iowa passed away on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at Maple Manor Village of natural causes under the care of St. Croix Hospice. 

He was born on July 7, 1951, in Cedar Falls, Iowa to August and Virginia Mae (Munger) Meester. He grew up on the family farm south of Parkersburg and attended Parkersburg Elementary School and later Allison-Bristow Schools where he was able to attend classes for special needs children.

After his schooling, he remained on the farm helping his parents with livestock chores and field work. He was a person of amazing talents and was quite gifted mechanically. He could disassemble a tractor and put it back together again without reading any instructions. Junior could also craft detailed farm buildings and windmill replicas out of wood or other materials. He was an avid farm toy collector with anything Farmall being among his absolute favorites with John Deere coming in second place. 

After the death of Junior’s parents, he stayed on the farm for another two years, when it was determined that he could not manage by himself any longer. He then began his long association with Cedar Valley Support Services in Waterloo, where he would live in an independent living arrangement under their care for nearly 30 years. He enjoyed many outings of fishing, camping, attending steam engine shows, bowling and table games with the other residents along with his daily trek to “Club”.

In April of this year, Junior’s health began to deteriorate rapidly and it was again determined that a new phase of care was now necessary for him. In May, Junior moved to Maple Manor Village in Aplington where he was wonderfully cared for by their staff. He was very happy there and the family is forever grateful for the tremendous care he received. Junior was content to be in his room watching METV and always had a big smile for his visitors.

Junior trusted Jesus as his Savior in 1998, and he looked forward to attending church services with his brother-in-law Rick when he was able.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Bea Schnell and Jean Gersema, a brother-in-law, Michel Bass and one great-nephew, Jonathan Sullivan. 

Junior is survived by two brothers-in-law, Joe Schnell of Waverly and Rick Gersema of Parkersburg, six nieces and nephews and their families, Dan Schnell, Christa Schnell, Josh (Andrea) Schnell, Victoria (Dustin) Sullivan, Peter (Kandace) Bass and Jessica (Nick) Schrock.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor B.J. Humphrey officiating.  Jessica Schrock shared special memories of Junior.  Pianist was Randy Brocka and he accompanied the congregation as they sang “Glory To His Name”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I’ll Fly Away”.  The burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg with Peter Bass, Dan Schnell, Josh Schnell, Dustin Sullivan, Nick Schrock, Roland Meester and Wendell Meester serving as Casketbearers.

Visitation was held at the First Congregational Church one hour before the service.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com