Robert "Bob" Meier

C. Robert “Bob” Meier, 84, a long time business man from Devils Lake ND passed away on Wednesday morning, October 5, 2011 at the Aneta Parkview Health Center, Aneta ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Dale Kinzler will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Bob will be Roy Weige, Darrell Meier, Todd Meier, Troy Meier, Kenny Forrest and Bo Cunningham. Reading the Scriptures will be Todd Meier and Bo Cunningham and Gift Bearers will be Bob’s daughters Linda, Pamela and Kelli. Music will be provided by Patty Cote. Clemens Robert Meier, son of Michael and Rose (Lingor) Meier was born on July 27, 1927 at home, rural Devils Lake. He attended Grand Harbor Township School, rural Devils Lake and Bob would call Devils Lake home for his entire life. Bob served his country during World War II with the United States Marine Corp entering the fall of 1945 at the age of 17. He was honorably discharged with the rank of PFC on October 9, 1947. After his discharge, Bob began his career in aviation. He began working for Brigham Flying Service at the Devils Lake Municipal Airport and received his pilot’s license under the instruction of Frank Brigham. In order to earn enough money to buy his own plane, Bob would spray in the summer and work in the Anaconda Copper Mines in Montana in the winter. In 1951 he began his own spray service, Bob Meiers Spray Service, working in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and spraying cotton in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1961, Bob incorporated with Palmer Foss and the business became known as Foss-Meier Flight Service. During the early years and tough winters and their airplane laden with skis, they served the community bringing the ill in from the country, supplying food and supplies to the people unable to get to town and always on standby when needed. In addition to spraying, they also served as an air-taxi service, air-ambulance service and as instructors for future pilots. For 18 years, they were also Piper Aircraft dealers. Bob married Karen Djoseland on April 22, 1983 and this would be their home until Bob entered the Aneta Parkview Health Center in March of 2009. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing and was very active in the local Gun Club and Snowmobilers Club. Always working hard to provide for his family, Bob would hunt fox by plane in the winter and sell the pelts. Bob was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and former member of the Knights of Columbus, a life member of the Elks Lodge, served with the Civil Air Patrol and was recognized several times by the National Guard for his dedicated service. Bob loved to fly, but when his plane and his skills as a pilot were used to help someone or to be of service to someone or the community, that was his greatest joy. Now may you soar on eagles’ wings and rest in peace. Bob is survived by his wife Karen of Devils Lake; children Linda Darlene and her husband Larry Reisnouer of Spokane WA, Pamela Rae and her husband Robert “Bo” Cunningham also of Spokane, Kelli Jo and her husband Joe Rinas of Anchorage AK, Todd Robert Meier of Devils Lake and Troy Scott and Patti Jo Meier also of Devils Lake; ten grandchildren Bobbie Jo and Scott Allen Reisnouer; Jess William Hockett, Stacey Brandan Carruthers, Cole Marshall Hockett and Ryan Cunningham; Bethany Jo Rinas; Amanda Leigh and Briana Josie Meier; Nevaeh Jo Meier; ten great grandchildren; sisters Marge Graftass and Bernice (Glenn) Bailey all of Spokane, Ilean (Lynn) Johnson of Butte, MT and brother Richard (Kathy) Meier of Rainier, OR; mother of his children Lena Keck of Devils Lake; mother-in-law Elsie Hanson also of Devils Lake; Karen’s two sons Craig (Marcie) Djoseland and their children Justin and Christopher and Lonnie (Doreen) Djoseland and their children Shaun and Krista; many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Mike Jr. and Ben Meier and sister Betty Brown. Memorials may be directed to the Aneta Parkview Health Center, Aneta, ND