Joan A. Meyer

Joan A. Meyer 91 

Joan A. Meyer passed away September 28, 2024 at Mount Carmel Home in Kearney NE. Services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Shelton. Pastor Michelle Byerly will officiate. Burial will follow in the Shelton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7PM on Wednesday, October 2nd at the church. Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Joan Audrey Miller was born November 23, 1932 in Holstein, NE to Harry and Sylvia (Petersen) Miller. She was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Holstein, NE. Joan grew up on a farm and attended school in Holstein graduating with the class of 1951. She married the love of her life, Gaylord Meyer, on May 26, 1951. Joan and Gaylord enjoyed their life together for over 73 years. As an only child, Joan welcomed 12 new sisters and brothers when she married. She lived with her parents while Gaylord served with the Army during the Korean War. They were blessed with five children; Galen, Diane, Janet, Kevin and Linda. They made Shelton their home for 63 years. In 2017, they moved to Prairie View Gardens in Kearney and in 2023 to Mount Carmel Home. 

Joan was employed as secretary of the Shelton School, Fairbanks International, Daws Trucking and the Village of Shelton. She was a member of the United Methodist Church serving on various offices and committees. She was a member of Joy Circle, Shelton American Legion Auxiliary, served on the Shelton School Board, Planning Commission, Our Nite Out Extension Club, Chapter BI PEO, was a den mother, PTA and helped with many community activities. She received Ak-Sar-Ben Good Neighbor Award and Outstanding Citizen of the year award. She loved to attend auctions, collect dishes, host parties and decorate for all the holidays, especially Christmas when her 200+ piece Snow Village collection spanned the family room. 

Family was the center of Joan’s life and she truly enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s events. Her love for family and traditions were her pride and joy. Joan will be missed by her surviving family, including husband, Gaylord, and children, Diane (Donnell) Bombeck of Shelton, Jan (Steve) Spellman of Kearney, Kevin Meyer of Shelton, Linda Hansen of Lincoln and daughter-in-law Kim Meyer of Grand Island. 

14 Grandchildren; Annaliese (Jared) Leiser, Allison (Alex) Bendt, (Ashlee) Meyer, Grant (Ashley) Meyer, Nathan (Shannon) Bombeck Brandon Bombeck, Derek (Jennifer) Bombeck, Arielle (Trevor) Tripe, Trevor (Lisa) Spellman, Megan (Tyler) Herter, John (Lauren) Meyer, Haeley (Trent) Petersen, Alex and Mattie Hansen. 

21 Great-grandchildren; Scarlett, Ruby and Scout Leiser, Sloane and Witt Bendt, Palmer Meyer, Lillian, Jace, Layla, Collin and Graham Bombeck, Brady, Mason and Trey Tripe, Avery and Finn Spellman, Hadley and Hank Herter, Lennon, Mila and Lainey Petersen. 

Sister and brothers-in-law: Jim (Diana) Meyer, Delores Meyer, Audrey Larson, Kolleen Grams, Veralu Fritson, Sherri Anderson, Lori Eiseman, Bonnie (Larry) Holmberg, Marilyn Meyer, Billie Meyer. 

She is preceded in death by her son Galen, grandson Wade, her parents, in-laws Herman and Florence Meyer; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Dean (Verna) Meyer, Leon Meyer, Doyt Meyer, Ivon Meyer, Marvin Meyer, Roger Larson, Don Fritson, Alan Anderson and Charles Eiseman. 

In this time of grief, let us remember and celebrate Joan’s remarkable life, a life filled with love, compassion, and an enduring commitment to God, family, friends and community. Memorials are suggested to Shelton United Methodist Church and Shelton Fire and Rescue.