Gilbert "Gilly" J. Meyer Jr., 79, was called to eternal rest on Wednesday, April 10th, 2013, at Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in West Bend. Gilbert Jr. was born on January 12th, 1934, to Gilbert N. Sr. and Rose C. (Schuessler) Meyer in Port Washington. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Schools and Port Washington High. On July 19th, 1958, he married Loretta (Heimerl) at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Kohler. The couple resided in Port Washington until 1960 and moved to Fillmore to begin farming together. In addition to operating a farm, Gilbert worked at Gehl Manufacturing Company and was an active member of the Catholic Foresters, Catholic Knights and served as Trustee for Parish Council of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Mr. Meyer had a great passion for farming and antique tractor shows. He enjoyed traveling, attending Polka festivals, listening and dancing with his best friend Loretta; playing with his pets and above all spending time with his children and grandchildren. Family members said Mr. Meyer had a kind heart and gentle spirit.
Gilbert Jr. is survived by Loretta, his beloved wife of 54 years of Fillmore; 8 children, Debra R. (Mark) Ramel of Random Lake, Susan (Roy) Carter of Newburg, Michael Meyer of Fillmore, John (Debra) Meyer of Fredonia, Margaret (Kenneth) Schroeter of Grafton, Gilbert "Buddy" Meyer III of Fillmore, Maria (Robert) Myers of West Bend, Peter Meyer of New Fane; 13 grandchildren, Steven, Jessica, Matthew Ramel, Jason (Stephanie) Carter, Daniel, Dennis & Christopher Carter, Leona Meyer, Emily Schroeter, Nathan, Timothy, and Andrew Myers; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is further survived by his brothers, Leonard of Plymouth, Eugene (Mary) of Port Washington; sisters-in-law, Carol Meyer of Fredonia and Mary Ann Meyer of Newton; brother and sisters-in-law, Frank (Gay) Heimerl of Newburg, Robert (Sandi) Heimerl of Brentwood, Marilyn Habersetzer of West Bend, Leonard (Judy) Heimerl of West Bend, Alfred (Lenae) Heimerl of Random Lake, Jeanette (Kenneth) Mueller of Theresa, Jerome Heimerl of Random Lake, Roman Heimerl of Fredonia, Janice (Special friend Doug King) Heimerl of Fredonia, and Bernie (Diane) Heimerl of Fredonia.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Sr. and Rose; grandson, Brian Ramel; brothers, Joseph, George (Martha), and Theodore Meyer; mother and father-in-law, Sylvester and Lydia Heimerl. He was further preceded in death by brother-in-law, Joseph Habersetzer, infant brother-in-law, Jerome and infant sister-in-law, Mary.
The visitation will be held on Friday, April 19th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend) with a Rosary Prayer Service at 8:00 PM. Continued visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 10:30AM-12:30PM at St. Mary's Catholic Chapel in Little Kohler. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 PM. Father Guy Gurath will be the celebrant. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Mr. Meyer's name.