In Loving Memory of Willard Gale Meyer, also known as Gale, Dad, Grandpa or PapaJoppa, 85, who was received into the arms of Jesus on Friday, April 5th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and cherished (humorous) memories. He touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born on March 15th, 1939, Gale lived a life filled with unwavering faith and love for Jesus. He was most comfortable in a small church setting like the churches he grew up in at Grand Chain and Joppa, IL where he would preach at as a teenager. Our dad was often asked to sing at the churches he attended in Rockford and Machesney Park, IL as well as at Wesley Willows. He most enjoyed sharing the gospel through song and sang solos at church with our mom as his pianist.
Gale was a machinist by trade, but his true vocation lay in the joy he found in living side by side with our mom, Joy. Once retired, they were inseparable. Our dad and mom approached every task with dedication and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of all who had the pleasure of working or volunteering alongside them.
Family was the cornerstone of our dad’s life. He was a devoted spouse and parent, whose love knew no bounds. For many years, our dad suffered with undiagnosed anxiety which presented itself with deep worry for his children, lack of sleep and tiredness. We are grateful for the quality of life he was able to experience once his anxiety was diagnosed and treated. His presence brought warmth and laughter to every gathering, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who cherished him.
In his free time, Gale enjoyed planning for, tilling and planting his garden as he learned to do as a child living on a farm. He found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. His greatest joy was reading the bible.
Gale is survived by his loving children; Tana Vettore, Rick Meyer and Christopher Meyer, wife Karen. Grandchildren: Adam Plaetzer, Ashley Chalupsky and husband, Christopher; Elizabeth Meyer Gorman and husband, John, Emily Meyer, and Mason Chin. Great Grandchildren: Grace and Levi Chalupsky, Aurora Meyer, and Haven Meyer. Brother/Sister: Don Meyer, Dinah Kay Shrum. Predeceased by Marilyn Joy Meyer, wife and Twin Brother, Dale Meyer. Though his physical presence may be gone, his spirit will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the hearts of those who loved him dearly.
A celebration of his life was shared together with his children; Tana Vettore, Rick Meyer, fiancé Sharon and Christopher Meyer, wife Karen along with Grandchildren: Ashley Chalupsky, Elizabeth Meyer Gorman and husband, John at Franchesco’s Ristorante in Rockford IL.
May Gale’s soul find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bring comfort and joy to all who knew and loved him.
Rest in peace, dad. You will be forever cherished and deeply missed.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Highland Oaks in Elgin, IL for the excellent care they provided throughout dad’s journey as he battled the impact of mini strokes and most recently pneumonia. Your compassion and care for our family was tender and meaningful as we were with him through his transition to Heaven. We LOVE the nickname you gave him - PapaJoppa!!! Thank you!
To our friends and family, your loving support has held us up throughout this journey. Your prayers have comforted us and our belief that we will see our mom and dad in Heaven brings us peace. Thank you!
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