Jess R. Meyer

Jesse R. “Jess” Meyer, 85, of Scotia, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at his home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Scotia. Kipp and Sandi Petersen will officiate. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the Scotia Community Building on Main Street. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home in St. Paul. Mr. Meyer was born on May 30, 1924, on the family farm east of Scotia, the son of Raymond and Clara (Chadwick) Meyer. He was preceded in death by his wife. C. Joan Meyer. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, M. Ray and Colleen Meyer of Florissant, MO and Lyle and Mae Meyer of Waco, TX; and one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Vaughn Scarborough of St. Paul. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren; and two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Donna Van Skike of Ft. Collins, CO, Jerry and Lila Van Skike of Estes Park, CO and John and Janet Armold of Mesa, AZ. Jess lived his entire life on the family farm east of Scotia. As a young man he was very active in high school where he was president of his junior class and was involved in band and glee club. He was united in marriage to C. Joan Van Skike on Aug. 20, 1950, at the Salem (Fish Creek) EUB Church. Together they raised three children and endured the roller coaster ride of farming. He lived for the harvest every year and felt the satisfaction of knowing his last harvest was finally complete. During retirement he enjoyed restoring his antique tractor and building remote control airplanes. He enjoyed air shows and one of his happier moments was when he purchased his boat and was able to take his children and grandchildren out on the lake. He always showed his softer side around his livestock and especially with his dogs – Spot, Boots, Toby, Mickey and Dobie. Jess served on the District 2N school board and the election board. He was also a soloist for countless weddings and funerals. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan on Feb. 14, 1996; his parents and one brother-in-law, Kenneth Van Skike. In lieu of flowers,memorials are suggested to the Valley County Hospice or to the donor’s choice.