Memorial
Alan Lawrence Meyer of Cedar Rapids, IA passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at the age of 72. Nine years after his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Alan died peacefully at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA. A Celebration of Life will be held on October 22, 2022, at 10:30 am at the United Methodist Church in Peterson, Iowa located at 103 E 3rd St. with a luncheon to follow.
Alan was born on October 29, 1949, in Larabee, Iowa. He met the most beautiful girl on a blind date arranged by a good high school buddy on April 1st, 1967, Patricia Lee McDaniel. He said it was love at first kiss and they married on August 22, 1970.
Alan stunned his high school superintendent and principal when he entered the field of education as he wasn’t what you would call a model student. He earned an AA from Iowa Lakes Community College in 1970, a BS in history and political science in 1975, and an MS in secondary school administration in 1976, both from Northwest Missouri State University. In 1981, he earned his Education Specialist degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, which enabled him to become a school superintendent. He graduated from Drake University with his Doctorate in Education in 1996. Alan was thrilled to graduate at the same time as his oldest daughter and to present her high school diploma in his doctoral regalia that spring. His elementary school students wanted to know if he was going to work in a hospital now! In his educational experience he worked as a teacher, elementary principal, high school principal and superintendent.
The love Alan had for teaching and leading others he also devoted to his family—his wife, his four children, and his seven grandchildren. He believed they could do anything and instilled in his family a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the simple things in life. With the help of his family over the years, Alan indulged in several hobbies which were enjoyed by many. His gardens spanned yards in Schaller, impressive, raised beds at the compound in Kirkville, and was finally a modest yet productive container garden in Cedar Rapids. His last woodworking project was building toy boxes for each of his children to be shared with his grandchildren. He passed on his meat-smoking skills to his sons-in-law— hundreds of friends, family, and strangers are familiar with this skill set as he prepared the meat for each of his 3 daughters' weddings in addition to all of the times he fed friends, family, and colleagues to show love and appreciation. Alan also loved traveling all over the United States with his family over the years, and traveling with Pat to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe after retirement. Alan’s passion for food and new experiences were some of the things that those who knew him will never forget.
Alan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia; children Shari Foster of Marion, IA, Shelli & Alfonso Franco of Columbia, SC, Brett Alan Meyer of Ames, IA, and Shonna & Chris Todd of Greenville, SC; grandchildren Riley Foster (12), Chloe Franco (10), Mackenzie Foster (10), Kayden Todd (6), Javier Franco (3), Connor Alan Todd (3), and Asher Todd (1); brothers and their wives Charles & Joanie Meyer, Kenneth & JoAnn Meyer, Floyd & Marilyne Meyer, James & Dottie Meyer, and Dennis & Jane Meyer.
Alan was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn (Fessler) Taylor, and stepfather, Arthur Taylor; father Alvin Meyer; and brother and sister-in-law Robert and Midge Meyer. We also mourn the death of Alan’s older brother Kenneth, who passed on August 20, 2022.
People wishing to honor Alan can donate to the Parkinson’s Disease Program with On With Life by giving online at
www.onwithlife.org/giving-back/donate/ or sending a check (made payable to On With Life Foundation) via mail to the address below. Indicate in honor of Alan Meyer, Parkinson’s program. On With Life Foundation 715 SW Ankeny Rd Ankeny, IA 50023.