Gerald James Meyer, 81

Gerald James Meyer, age 81, of Aplington, Iowa, was born the son of John and Grace (Ruter) Meyer on December 2, 1942, in Aplington.  Gerald graduated from Aplington High School, and later served in the United States Navy Seabees from 1966 until he was honorably discharge in 1969.

On August 4, 1972, Gerald was united in marriage with Jeanie Rae Kuiper at the First Reformed Church in Aplington.  After their marriage, the couple resided in Aplington.  Gerald worked at M&R Plumbing & Heating, Beaver Valley Road Construction, and Weichers Construction.  He later was employed at the University of Northern Iowa in dining services.  He retired from UNI in 2009.

Gerald was a member of the First Reformed Church in Aplington. He was also a member of the Aplington AMVETS and attended Naval Seabee reunions.  In his younger years, Gerald enjoyed snowmobiling.  He loved Allis Chalmers tractors, farming at the Harms’s and visiting with his friends. One of Gerald’s greatest joys was spending time with his granddaughters.  

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Gerald died at his home in Aplington of natural causes.  Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, John and Grace Meyer; and Jeanie’s parents, Albert and Florence Kuiper.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanie of Aplington; a daughter, Kristie (Corey) Nevenhoven of Steamboat Rock, Iowa; and two granddaughters, McKinley and Maci.  

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the First Reformed Church in Aplington, with Pastor Dale Janssen officiating the service.  The pianist was Randy Aalderks and he accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art”.  Randy also provided special music as he sang “Amazing Grace” and “God Will Take Care Of You”. The burial was held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington with Ryan Harms, Daryl Folken, Jim Ridder, Doug Lindaman, Steve Koenen and Eric Harms serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were his granddaughters:  McKinley Nevenhoven and Maci Nevenhoven; the MC71 Seabees – Can Do:  Gerald Peterson, Macey Paynter, Bill Gehl and Dennis East; and the Harm Harms family.  Kathy Barth, Kayla Colyer and Karlee Schroder served as the flower committee.  Military rites were conducted by Aplington AMVETS Post #102.

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Aplington was in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com