Irene Meeker

Irene Annette Meeker completed her journey on January 16, 2013, and fulfilled her life’s desire to one day go home and be with her dearest friend, Jesus. Irene was the youngest child of Carl W. Roesch and the only child of Alice K. Roesch (Dallas) born on July 29, 1936 in Los Angeles, CA. She was preceded in death by her two elder siblings, Glenwood Roesch and Virginia Olling. Born almost a full generation younger than her siblings, Irene lived a childhood between two worlds, in one sense, an only child, yet always remaining the beloved baby sister.

She met the love of her life, Dean Meeker, in a small Baptist church in Los Angeles, at the age of 12, when she caught the eye of the young man who eventually would become her husband of 58 years. They were married on September 11, 1954, and each anniversary was cherished and celebrated to the full.

Irene and Glenwood, her brother, who had struggled mightily following his service in WWII, both came to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour at the 1949 Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angeles. Glenwood experienced complete healing and restoration, and Irene’s heart from there on belonged to Jesus.

In 1955, Dean and Irene began attending a Navig

ator Bible Study in Los Angeles, and in 1958, they moved to Colorado Springs for further training in ministry. Their two sons were born during their residency in Colorado Springs.

At the invitation of John & Helen Crawford, Irene and Dean returned to California to receive their final years of preparation before entering full time ministry. Their daughter was born during this time. Becoming Navigator staff in 1966, they first served the Vietnam era servicemen throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Together, they cared for the many men returning from the Conflict in need of loving soul care. They also cared for those preparing for deployment. The Meeker home became a welcoming and safe harbor for countless numbers of people who came to enjoy Irene’s hospitality, her wisdom, and to be held forever in her prayers as she began a quiet ministry of intercession. She had keen insights and the ability to open hearts offering comfort and friendship. She was private, spirited, and although mostly a quiet woman, she was still capable of surprising her friends and family with aspects previously unobserved in her character. Dean called her “The most extroverted introvert he had ever known.” He explains, her loving ways with people was never forced or forceful, it was a gift.

Dean and Irene were pleased to serve The Navigators in ministry in Oakland, Monterey, Germany, Austin, San Antonio, Rostov, (RU), Pyatigorsk, (RU), Moscow, (RU) and Colorado Springs, where Dean continues ministry today.

In the year 2007, Irene was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Over the past six years she was treated, loved and cared for by a wonderful team of caring doctors and their staff(s).

Irene is survived by her husband, Dean Meeker, Colorado Springs, CO; Paul Meeker, (Joan) and his daughter Sarah Meeker, her mother, Dorothy Scholl, and Joan’s children, Hope and Phillip Watson of Covington, LA; John Meeker of Mimbres, NM; Donna DiMuccio (Rick), her children, Joshua Woods (Colleen) and their sons, Bennett and Wyatt Woods of Odessa, TX; Constance Woods of Colorado Springs; Katherine Meeker of Colorado Springs; and Rick’s sons, Rich Mayo (Jennifer) of Pueblo, CO, and Neil DiMuccio of Boulder, Colorado, and goddaughter, Natasha Saksman Guest of Vancouver, BC. Irene was deeply cherished by and loving to all who knew her. Her presence will be greatly missed.

A service is planned for February 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., Fellowship Bible Church 5590 N Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Navigators, PO Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934-6000; Or National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St, S710, Denver, CO 80206; or Fellowship Bible Church, 5590 N Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.