Mr. George C. Meier of Elm Grove and Land O’ Lakes, WI, age 95, died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, December 7th, 2017.

George was the kind father of Mary (Paul) Bertin, Paula (Fred) Walker, Tom Meier, George (Mary) Meier, Ellie (Tim) Foote, Jeanne Meier, and Nancy (Clint) Norris. He was the cherished grandfather (Pops) of Caroline (Rob) Kuhnen, Christopher (Tara) Miller, Robert Ferguson, Patrick Ferguson, Jane (Ryan) St. Martin, Keeley Meier, Ellen Meier, Kevin Meier, and Torin Norris. He was the beloved great-grandfather of George & Elizabeth Kuhnen and Alexandra & Ashton Miller. George is reunited with his wife of 43 years, Norma; his parents, Alfred and Jessie; his brother, Paul; his sons, William and Joseph; and his grandchildren, C.T. and Hayley. He is survived by his dear sister Joan Mueller as well as many other loving relatives and good friends.

George was a warm and virtuous gentleman. A thoughtful listener and attentive caregiver, he unfailingly provided guidance, companionship, and laughter to all of those in his presence. He lived his life bravely and selflessly.

George was born in Milwaukee, WI to Alfred and Jessie (Stroh) Meier on July 26, 1922. He grew up in Wauwatosa and attended Wauwatosa East High School. He began his undergraduate studies at Marquette University until World War II when his service in the Navy interrupted his schooling. After the war, George resumed his education at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, graduating in 1947 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

George served his die casting apprenticeship in the Stroh Die Casting Company’s plant during the summers of his undergraduate days at Marquette University. In the 1950’s, he began working there full time and soon was named vice president. In 1969, he was appointed Stroh President and General Manager. Under George’s leadership, a strong management team was formed and numerous technological advances were employed. As a result of these initiatives, Stroh experienced continued growth in strength and capacity.

George was an active member of his community. He served as a director at the First Wisconsin Bank of Mayfair for more than 20 years. He was a charter member of the West Suburban YMCA as well as a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Club and the Western Racquet Club. Upon retirement, George, along with other retired businessmen, formed the Elm Grove Golf Society (E.G.G.S.) to continue weekly summer golf outings and winter bocce ball games. Healthy activity and camaraderie was its trademark.

For over five decades, George cherished swimming, boating, hiking, and relaxing with his family and friends on Lac des Fleurs. He enjoyed sitting outside, re-angling his chair on the pier as the sun made its journey across the lake. George especially enjoyed his nightly ritual of firing up the wood-burning sauna and jumping into the lake with family and friends before dinner.

George was a lifelong learner, a sportsman, and a music lover. He took pleasure in playing tennis and racquetball, sailing, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He sang proudly in church and took organ and ballroom dancing lessons after most of his children were grown. Later in life, he even tackled parasailing and hang gliding in addition to hot air balloon and helicopter rides. George had a sweet tooth and was often found enjoying a malt, grasshopper, or hot fudge sundae with a loved one--you never had to ask him twice to drive you to Gilles or the Dari Maid.

A long-time parishioner of St. Mary’s Visitation, George centered his life on his faith, family, and friends. Even before converting to Catholicism, George attended Lutheran services in addition to taking his family to Mass. Together with his wife Norma, he taught his children to pray. In turn, a family member was always at his side joining him for nightly prayers through his final years.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 14th, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Parish, Elm Grove, from 9 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made in memory of George to the (New) Petawa Cultural Center, 1331 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 or St. Albert’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 237, Land O’ Lakes, WI 54540.

 Service Information