Donald Dean Meeske

Donald was the youngest of 12 children and was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings Dorothea Behrens, Arthur Meeske, Bernitha Breitkretz, Walter Meeske, Leona Carsten, Alvera Kort, Alverna McBride, Ruth Duncan, and Iva Dell Ostendorf. Don spent his early life on the family farm in Wisner, NE; those early years of farming with horses began a life long love of horsemanship and the cowboy way of life. He married Ardice Hass in 1951 and continued farming in his young adulthood.

After serving a tour of duty with the Army 7th Infantry in the Korean War, in 1959 he moved the family to Colorado Springs. He started a career in the construction industry as a carpenter and continued to work in the industry as a project superintendent until 1976. Don and his wife owned and operated Save-A-Day Laundry and Cleaners from 1960 to 1978. He also owned and operated Five M Trailer Sales, Don’s Western Buckles and Meeske Bits & Spurs.

A commitment to community service was expressed by his membership on numerous boards as Chairman of Immanuel Lutheran Church Board of Elders, Penrose Stadium Board, Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation, Rustic Hills Homeowners Association, Lutheran Valley Ranch, and President of the Colorado Springs Roping Club.

Don is survived by his wife, Ardice Meeske; three children, Kurt Meeske of Arlington, VA, Cynthia (John) Dye of Colorado Springs, CO, Gregory “Doc” (Tammy) Meeske; four cherished grandchildren, Andrew (Jodi) Dye; Taylor Meeske, Hannah Meeske, and Daniel Meeske; two sisters, Mary Artherton and Orva Mae Sudduth; 29 nieces and nephews.

Don’s cowboy way of life included team roping, his gentle horsemanship, roman and trick riding in younger days. His many talents and self taught skills were expressed in his oil paintings and expertise in custom handcrafted western bits, spurs & buckles.

Don will be remembered as a tough yet loving cowboy. His cowboy pride and strength was always evident even to his last days. Thanks for the ride.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.