Lew was born on December 18, 1935 in Fort Collins, CO to parents Eugene and Hannah (Ehrlich) Meissner. He lived in Fort Collins the majority of his life, attending Fort Collins High School, followed by Colorado State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in forest management in 1959. He then joined the Colorado Army National Guard along with his forestry studies. Lew was honorably discharged in March of 1963. He went on to attend Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1963. He soon wed his wife of 53 years, Sandra Sue Garner, on March 21, 1968 in Conifer, Colorado.
Lew became a Lutheran pastor shortly after seminary. He was ordained for 58 years. Lew served churches in Cordova, Nebraska; Durango, Colorado; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Ault, Colorado; and Windsor, Colorado. He then moved back to Fort Collins when he became semi-retired and served as a chaplain for the Martin Luther Homes. Lew spent his retirement fishing, going to the mountains, traveling with his wife, reading the newspaper, studying history and genealogy, and was heavily involved in sports. He loved playing sports as a young boy and played in the 1953 State Football Championship as a Fort Collins High School Lambkin. Lew played as the quarterback and led the team to victory, a moment he never forgot. In his later years, he showed pride in his college alma mater, Colorado State University, by keeping up with the Women’s Basketball Team, being an active member in the Ram Club, and spending time with the coaches. He was well known for his love for sports and especially for his love for CSU. Most important of all, Lew enjoyed spending time with his family whenever he could.
Lew was predeceased in death by his parents, Eugene and Hannah Meissner. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Meissner, two sons: Eric Meissner and his wife Deb, and Troy Meissner and his wife Melissa; and one daughter: Chandrea Kindred and her husband Robin. He is survived by five grandchildren: Zachary Meissner and his wife Abby, Ashley Perez and her husband Kyle, Holly Meissner, Austin Kindred, and Tyler Kindred. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren: Isaac Meissner, Noah Meissner, Aubrey Meissner, Leah Meissner, Nora Westling, Lucia Perez, and Israel Perez.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lew’s name to the Colorado State University Women’s Basketball Team.
A public visitation was held at Allnutt Drake Chapel in Fort Collins on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 4:00pm where family and friends visited Lew in an open casket setting. A graveside memorial service was held at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 1:00pm where Lew was laid to eternal rest. Following his graveside service, a gathering of family and friends took place at Allnutt Drake Chapel Reception Center. Please visit www.allnuttftcollins.com to share a memory of Lew and to leave a message for his family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5