Eric Meister

Technical Sergeant Eric W. Meister, 39, of Mansfield, died Thursday, April 28, 2011. Born April 22, 1972 in Mansfield, he was the son of Dean Meister and Pamela Smith. A 1990 Madison High School graduate, Eric entered the U.S. Air Force one month after graduation. He was a Gulf War Veteran and served 20 years with the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. Eric played baseball and soccer in his earlier days and his life continued to revolve around soccer, playing for the Mansfield Leiderkranz and coaching his stepson, Cody's U-18 soccer team and his son, Christian's U-15 soccer team at the Leiderkranz. He was a member of the Mansfield Leiderkranz and VFW Post 9943. A Michigan football fan, Eric enjoyed paintballing and spending time with his children.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Pam Bob Imhoff of Mansfield; wife, Nichole Bandy Meister of Mansfield; children, Christian, Alexis, Makenzie, and Halle, all of Mansfield; stepchildren, Cody and Raven Festge, both of Mansfield; sister, Mandie Eaton of Mansfield; brother, Josh Eaton of Mansfield; half brother, Rob Miranda Eaton; close friends, Steve Foss, Curt Walker, and Brandon Schisler; special cousin, Dennis Smith; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James E. Smith and Phyllis J. Blamer and paternal grandparents, Walt and Marilyn Meister.

Friends may call Monday, May 2, 2011 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home conducted by Chaplain David Shirley. Military graveside services conducted by the Air Force Honor Guard will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield Liederkranz U-15 Soccer Team.