Marilyn J. Meister

 Marilyn J. Meister, age 69, of Patch Grove, died peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, December 14, 2009. She was born on May 27, 1940 in  Racine, WI, the daughter of Frank Anthony and Johanna Theresa (Holler) Scholzen. On May 27, 1961, she was united in marriage to Bernard J. Meister at Holy Name Parish in Racine, WI. He preceded her in death on April 18, 2004. Marilyn was a beautiful homemaker, reliable school bus driver, loving Grandmother, and caring, lifelong friend. She enjoyed 28 years as a school bus driver at West Grant/River Ridge. Hobbies included grandchildren, various collections (especially angels), and writing for the Grant Herald Independent. She had a ready smile for everyone.

Marilyn was a devout Catholic and enjoyed being a member of both St. Marys and St. Johns Parishes. She was active in her Church and Community as a member of: Catholic Daughters of America St. Teresa Court # 1006; Council of Catholic Women (served as Grant Deanery President); West Grant Lioness Club; and American Legion Auxiliary Grey-Wachter Murphy #229 (she held all offices for the Legion at both local and county levels). Marilyn led the Rosary before Mass and was a Prayer Partner to students at St. Marys School.

Marilyn is survived by seven children: Bernard John (Darlene), Peculiar, MO; Laurie Jean Foege, Madison; David (Danielle) Meister, Darlington; Libbey (Marcos) Ortiz Meister, Madison; Christopher (Kim) Meister, Cambridge; Robert (Heidi) Meister, St. Peters, MO; and William (Michelle) Meister, Sun Prairie; 14 grandchildren: Briana; Max Foege; Johanna Regina, Jared, Judith, and Josie; Emilio, Rafael, and Marilyn Anastacia; Samantha and Cassandra; Alan and Anne; Kristianna; brother, Francis Scholzen, Racine; in-laws; nieces; nephews; cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard; her youngest son, Frank Lawrence; brothers, Gerald and Richard; her sister, Elizabeth Catherine and her dog, Sydney.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father Bart Timmerman officiating. Burial was held in Union Nagle Cemetery, Town of Patch Grove. Visitation was from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16 with a Rosary Service at 2:30 and Womens Auxiliary Service at 2:50 and from 10:00 a.m. until time of services Thursday all at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington assisted the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: St. Marys School, West Grant Lions Club, Diabetes Association, Hospice, or Multiple Sclerosis Society.