Erwin " Mike " W. Meiske

Erwin was born January 5, 1929 in Taylor, Texas to Otto Fritz and Ida Elizabeth (Werchan) Meiske. Erwin and his twin brother, Herbien, were baptized March 31, 1929 at St. James Lutheran Church (now Prince of Peace) at Wuthrich Hill and confirmed there in 1944. He was a member of the Thrall class of 1946.

After graduation Erwin moved to Austin, attending school at Nixon-Clay Commercial College and working at a movie theater until being drafted into the Army in January 1951, doing his basic at Camp Cook, CA. On June 17, 1951, between basic and deployment, Erwin married the love of his life, Arnell Shavers. At the end of 1951 his battalion was ordered to Mt. Fuji, Japan for training in mountain maneuvers. His first assignment was as a Battery Clerk which was followed by a vertical move to Personnel Section at HQ where he was in charge of the MIA, KIA, and WIA accounts. Erwin was discharged in 1953 and he returned to Austin and to his wife Arnell.

Erwin was employed as an accountant at Priester Mell Electrical Company for 37 ½ years. He was also employed by Forest Creek Golf Club as a crowd marshal. Erwin and Arnell moved back to the Thrall area in 1997. Arnell preceded him in death December 7, 2003. Finding friendship and love again, Erwin married Juanette Susan on October 9, 2011.

Erwin was a 50-year active member of the First United Methodist Church of Austin and served as an usher, a counter, and with the board; he was a member of the Austin Kiwanis Club for 22 years and was a Mason. Erwin was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran at the time of his passing.

An accomplished artist, Erwin enjoyed painting landscapes in oil; as he was able, he played rounds of golf, filled out daily crossword puzzles, played cards and other games and was known as a shrewd domino opponent. He enjoyed the music of the Gilbert Kautz Orchestra from Thrall, TX.

Preceding him in death were his wife Arnell and his parents; brothers Elroy and Herbien; and nephew David Dolezal. Surviving is wife Juanette; nephew David and wife Mary Beth Meiske; nieces, Cindy Dolezal and Jan and husband Dennis Long; great-niece Rochelle and husband Coleton Burrus; great-nephew Nathaniel Meiske and partner Catherine Cote and their daughter Amelia; great-nephew Brandon Long and partner Jessica Toth; and great-nephew Ryan Long. Erwin is also survived by his uncle, Alfred Meiske and aunt, Alice Frank; sisters-in-law Pat Meiske and Rosalie Meiske; and his loving extended family and friends.

Pallbearers are: Nathaniel Meiske, Dennis Long, Ryan Long, Marvin Petzolt, Coleton Burrus, Joey Susan.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 16th from 6-8 pm at Condra Funeral Home. Services will be at Condra Funeral Home on Saturday, November 17th at 10 am with Pastor Kerri Veit officiating. Burial will be at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, TX at 2 pm.

Memorials may be given to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, P O Box 1182, Taylor, TX 76574.