Virgil J. Meyer

As his family and friends can attest, there was no one quite like Virgil Meyer. He was well known and well respected within the community he called home throughout his entire life. A devoted family man, Virgil worked hard to provide for his family each and every day. Together he and his wife exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be as they were soul mates, partners, and best friends. A stranger to none and a friend to all, Virgil was the sort of person who did what he could to help others along the way. Dearly missed, he will be forever remembered by those too numerous to count.

The 1930s were filled with great trial and tribulation at the hands of the Great Depression. Jobs were few and far between, and countless American families lost their homes and were forced to leave the cities and communities they loved in search of work. People did what they could to survive, and a spark of the American spirit remained. Although the days were difficult, Edward and Mary (Zuber) Meyer couldn’t contain their joy as they announced their very special Christmas gift with the birth of their new baby, Virgil J., on December 25, 1933. Born and raised in Antwerp, Ohio, he was the fifth of six children as he was joined in the Meyer clan by his older siblings, Margaret, Norman, Robert, and Mary Lou, and his younger sister, Rama. Virgil’s father was a farmer while his mother was a typical farm wife.

For the most part, Virgil experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for his generation. He enjoyed things like swimming in the Maumee River. Growing up Virgil was responsible for his fair share of farm chores, but he enjoyed listening to “The Shadow,” a radio program, while he was milking the cows. Always creative, he also used the small scoop shovel for grain so that he wouldn’t have to work as hard! A student at local schools, Virgil waked to and from school everyday. He also enjoyed playing sports and was a pitcher on the church baseball team. His claim to fame was having the only dump ball where the ball would drop right in front of the plate. Virgil once quit school to work in a two lane bowling alley, but when his father learned of it he came and dragged Virgil back to school one day. Virgil went on to graduate from Antwerp High School.

Not to be forgotten during Virgil’s years as a young man was his introduction to the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Dorothy Roemke, and they met when she came into his bowling alley to bowl one fateful day. Sparks flew, and they soon fell deeply in love. Excited to build a life together, Virgil and Dorothy were united in marriage on April 4, 1959, at Christ Lutheran Church in Woodburn, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 50 years. Together they were blessed with the births of three children, Martha, Edward, and Patrick. Virgil was an amazing father who was like a father to many others as well.

Throughout his life Virgil was someone who gave everything his all. He was a sergeant in the National Guard, and in addition owning Pin-A-Rama Lanes with his wife, he held down additional jobs as well. Virgil worked at Irving Ready Mix and also farmed - sometimes all in the same day!

Although work certainly kept Virgil busy, he did take the time to enjoy life along the way. He enjoyed traveling some including trips to Niagara Falls, the Smokey Mountains, Washington, D.C, Wisconsin Dells, and the World’s Fair in New York City. Times spent at the lake were some of Virgil’s favorite times as well. He loved to bowl, and he was forever reading things to sharpen his mind like the Farmer’s Almanac. When relaxing, Virgil liked watching Hee Haw and Wide World of Sports. At times he had a corny sense of humor as he almost always joked during the introduction that he couldn’t believe that the skier liked to wipe out every week.

All who knew Virgil would agree that he had a personality that was magnetic. It has been said that he was a bit of a flirt. In fact, he even flirted with the waitress when he and Dorothy were on their first date! Everyone seemed to know Virgil, which is why his grandson, David, even thought Virgil was the mayor when he was small!

Kindhearted, hardworking, and larger than life, Virgil Meyer blessed everyone he knew in such a special way. He had a great memory and a warm smile that was always at the ready. Family oriented, Virgil took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but there was nothing quite like becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather later in life. Intelligent and genuinely wise, he was always looking for ways he could help others. He will never be forgotten.

Virgil J. Meyer Died January 11, 2018. Virgil’s family includes his children, Martha Chase of Spencerville, IN, Edward & Patrick (Kim) Meyer both of Antwerp; siblings, Margaret Hissong & Mary Lou Slusher, both of Antwerp, Rama Sarazin of Sterling Heights, MI, Norman & Robert (Janice)Meyer, both of Hicksville; grandchildren, Megan, Andrea & Ben Chase, Gregg (Nicole) Lamott & David Perez; great grandchildren, Hannah Fields & Isabella Lamott. Virgil was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, on December 29, 2017 and his grandson, Jonathan Chase.

His funeral service is 11 AM on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Antwerp, with viewing one hour prior. Viewing is also 4- 8 PM on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp. He will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery. Memorials are to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

Virgil J. Meyer, 84, of Antwerp, passed away at home on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Virgil was born in   Antwerp on December 25, 1933, a son of the late Mary (Zuber) and Edward  Meyer.

He was proud to reach the rank of sergeant in the United States Army National Guard. Virgil worked at Irving Ready Mix for 47 years, farmed and drove many Amish families,  but his best years were spent working beside his wife, Dorothy at Pin-A-Rama lanes. He was a member of the Antwerp American Legion Auxiliary & Antwerp Conservation Club.

On December 29, 2017 his wife, Dorothy passed away. They were married April 4, 1959.

He will be sadly missed by his children, Martha Chase of Spencerville, IN, Edward & Patrick (Kim) Meyer both of Antwerp; siblings, Margaret Hissong & Mary Lou Slusher, both of Antwerp, Rama Sarazin of Sterling Heights, MI, Norman & Robert (Janice)Meyer, both of Hicksville; grandchildren, Megan, Andrea & Ben Chase, Gregg (Nicole) Lamott & David Perez; great grandchildren, Hannah Fields & Isabella Lamott. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Jonathan Chase.

His funeral service is 11 AM on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church of Antwerp, with viewing one hour prior.

Viewing is also 4 - 8 PM on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp.

He will be laid to rest at Maumee Cemetery.

Memorials are to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com