Edward Meier

   Edward J. Meier, age 91, died July 23, 2017, in Denver, surrounded by family. He was born Aug. 5, 1925, to Jacob and Catherine (Bopp) Meier in Denver.
    In 1929, the family moved to a farm east of Ovid, where Jacob started his farming career. In 1931, Jacob moved his family to Padroni in search of better farming opportunities. Edward started his education in Padroni that year. In 1932, the family returned to a farm north of Ovid.
    Edward grew up in Ovid, graduating from Ovid High School in 1943. During his childhood, he worked on the family farm. As a child, Edward was active in 4-H sugar beet and livestock projects, including showing cattle at the National Western Stock Show. After graduation, he continued to work on the farm with his family.
    In November 1949, he suffered a severe injury during harvest that resulted in the loss of his left hand. Edward continued to farm with his father, and eventually with his brother Elmer as Meier Bros. Inc. During this time, the diversified farming operations included growing corn, sugar beets, beans and hay and expanding its cattle feeding operations.
    Edward truly enjoyed attending livestock auctions throughout the region and trucking new cattle from the auctions and fat cattle to the packing plants. He particularly liked negotiating the purchases and sales of the cattle and feed.
    After retirement in 2006, Edward and RoseMary enjoyed summers taking care of cattle and repairing fences on pasture land they owned near Sedgwick. In 2008, the couple moved to Denver to be closer to family and doctors.
    Edward married RoseMary Pelster at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dalton, Nebraska, on Feb. 7, 1953. To this union, seven children were born: Edward Joseph, William Jacob, Virginia Marie, Steven Paul, Anne Therese, Mary Elizabeth and Patricia Katherine.
    During his life, Edward was active in his community. He was a longtime member of the Ovid Lions Club. He received a distinguished service award after serving 16 years on the Sedgwick County Soil Conservation Board of Supervisors.
    He also served on the Northeastern Colorado Resources and Development Committee, Council of Governments, Sedgwick County Planning Committee, Sedgwick County Weed Board, Ovid Factory Sugar Beet Growers Association, Highline Rural Electric Association Board of Directors from 1970 until 2007, Colorado Rural Electric Association and Western United Electric Supply. Edward was a longtime member of Farmers Union.
    In addition to his active cattle feeding and farming operation, Edward enjoyed hosting foreign exchange students during the time his children were at home. Beginning in 1987, Edward and RoseMary started traveling internationally, enjoying trips to Europe, the Soviet Union, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Japan.
    Later in his life, Edward diversified his real estate interests into commercial properties in Denver and a beach house in Hawaii, where they enjoyed spending time relaxing and watching the waves.
    Edward is survived by his wife, RoseMary of Denver; his seven children, Ed and wife Mary Beth of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bill of Brighton, Virginia Dudden and husband Dan of Kailua, Hawaii, Steve and wife Katie of Denver, Anne Newman and husband Marc of Holyoke, Beth Wilcox and husband Mike of Coppell, Texas, and Patricia of Denver; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Margret Ann Stieb of Iliff; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Catherine; sister, Lucille Gray; brother, Elmer Meier; and granddaughter, Brooklynn Newman.
    Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Julesburg. A rosary will be held before services at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
    Memorials can be made in the name of Edward Meier to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Julesburg, to be designated to a music fund.
    Austin-Tennant Funeral Home in Julesburg has been asked to assist with funeral arrangements.