Henry F.A. Meier II

Henry F.A. Meier II, 81, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Friday, April 15, 2022 in Mishawaka, Indiana with his family by his side. He was born May 17, 1940 in Syracuse, New York, to Clarice A. (Bearup) and Theodore H. Meier.

Henry graduated from Central High School, South Bend, Indiana in 1958. He joined the Army in 1959 and spent 3 years at Selfridge AFB, Michigan. Upon discharge, he started working at The First National Bank of Mishawaka, and continued on into their transition to 1st Source Bank, taking early retirement as a Vice President. He then started “Business Collection Service” which he ran until fully retiring.

Henry is survived by his daughter, Julie (John) Kaser of South Bend; a brother Ted (Dottie) Meier of Venice, Florida; and the light of his life - his three grandchildren Abbey, Nicholas, and Zachary Kaser. He was preceded in death by his son, Henry F.A. Meier, III, in 1985.

Dad was known far-and-wide at almost every Moose Lodge, V.F.W., and American Legion in the tri-county area, and at one point was even “forbidden” to play on tip-boards because he was so incredibly lucky. He was quick with jokes, even more quick to lend a helping hand, and the best (and longest!!!) story teller we know! Dad had an infectious laugh and the sweetest smile. He sometimes came off as being opinionated and tough as nails, but those that knew him best saw him as the most caring and generous person alive. He loved animals (especially his beloved cats Sweetie, DA-KID, and Fuzi), fishing Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River, bargain hunting, garage sales, drinking beer with his family and friends, and (every!) Sunday morning breakfast with his grandchildren. (He spent every minute with them or asking about them!) After retiring, he spent many, many days on the patio at his house. He would sit at his picnic table spending time with friends that would randomly stop by to visit - simply because they knew his door was always open.

We would like to thank Dr. Khaleelur Zackariaya, the most amazing physician on earth; Chuck and Diane Bowers (Dad’s best friend, and Dad’s best girlfriend!) for their non-stop love, support, grocery shopping, counseling, phone calling, checking in, and most importantly life-long friendship. Chuck was Dad’s first phone call when he lost his son, and the bond between them will never be broken. We would also like to thank his nurse, Tina, from Center for Hospice Care (my Angel on Earth!), and his friend Deb McGinnis, whom he loved for her “connections” (lol!) but also truly loved as a friend (one banana or two???). He had so many friends that would stop by during his illness – we thank you all! And finally, we would also like to thank the most amazing care team ever – our ladies at Caring Junction. Risa and Robyn gave him the most loving care and compassion (and a run for their lives with his obstinance!!) and will forever be part of our family!

Rest in Peace, Dad, and until we can all be together again: TO BE CONTINUED and BEHAVE. We love you and will miss you terribly!

A small family service will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at St. Joseph Cemetery. Dad would have been 82 on May 17th, so a mid-May celebration of life is in the midst of being planned, with more details to come.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a memorial contribution in Henry’s name to Caring Junction, 1430 South Ironwood Drive, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544.

Posted online on April 18, 2022

Published in South Bend Tribune

04/18/2022 EJS