John Meyer
January 18, 2013
John F. Meyer passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 18, 2013, at the age of 42.
John was born July 2, 1970, in Clarion, Iowa, to Kathleen Christine (Trausch) and John William Meyer. He earned his Master’s Degree from Viterbo University. In 2005, he married Megan Anne Nagel.
John was dedicated to the children he taught and mentored. He was a Special Education instructor, focusing on children with behavior disabilities in Ankeny for five years, and also the Assistant Swim Coach with Ankeny High School. He spent one year at the Woodward Academy for Boys. John also worked in the Des Moines School District, teaching Special Education at Harding Middle School, and math and science at Brody Middle School.
While in the Iowa Army National Guard, John was deployed state-side in Indiana in 2002 and 2003 and to Kosovo in 2007 and 2008. He later joined the United States Army Reserves. He returned to teaching at Garton Elementary in Des Moines, working with 4th graders in Resource.
John loved fitness and being active and was an inspiration for others. He competed in a marathon and the Big Creek Triathlon. John and his wife, Megan, competed as a team in the Great Ames Adventure Race. He enjoyed his cat and loved spending time at the park with his dog.
John is survived by his loving wife, Megan Meyer of Ankeny, Iowa; brother, Jim (Melissa) Meyer of Janesville, Wisconsin; niece, Legacy Meyer, also of Janesville, Wisconsin; and mother, Kathleen Meyer of Clarion, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his father, John W. Meyer, and his grandparents.
The family will plan a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
SSG Santiago, Federico
08/09/2013
We called him Superman in ARMY Basic Training. Humble, honest,great soldier and with a lot of love for God. To all the family, I'm deeply sorry and thankfull for having the change to meet such a great person.
Lois Boyd
02/21/2013
I worked alongside John for several years at Northwest Elementary in Ankeny. He had a passion for helping kids and taught from the heart. I am so sad to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
Marcy Sparks, Retired NW Elementary Principal
02/08/2013
To John's Family: John taught at NW while I was principal. He worked hard to help the children in his room and cared deeply for each child's welfare. I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers!
Paula Lee, retired Elementary Principal
02/07/2013
To John's family: I remember hiring John for his first teaching job at Northwest Elementary, Ankeny, Iowa. He was such a hard worker and he had some really tough children with some difficult needs. John always gave his all and kept a smile on his face! May wonderful memories help you get through this difficult time.
Laura Larsen
02/04/2013
I had the pleasure of teaching with John at Brody Middle School, and found him to be such a compassionate person, a kind friend and a teacher who gave his best for his students. I will miss him, and send my thoughts and prayers to Megan and the rest of his family.
Michael Kroloff - Kroloffs Photography
02/04/2013
Dear Megan, So sorry to read about the passing of John. He was a very special person. You will find strength through your family and friends. You are in my prayers!
Tina(TerHark)Gress
01/25/2013
I have known John since he sat by me in kindergarten and pulled my pigtails...he was the sweetest guy i knew. I am saddened that he is no longer with us...but I'm honored to have known him. My prayers go out to his family.
Andrea
01/25/2013
I am so sorry for your loss. John was an amazing man that touched so many lives. He was such a great teacher in so many different ways. Kids that never seemed to respond to others always flourished with him. He knew how hard to push them and when to just step back and love them. He will be missed.
Larry Johnson
01/25/2013
Megan and Kathleen- I am so sorry to hear that my buddy John left us so soon. He was definitely an inspiration to us all, especially the lives of the children here in the Des Moines Public School. Prayers for you all.
Jane Warren
01/24/2013
I was the speech pathologist who worked with John at Northwest when he taught in Ankeny. He was so good with his students -- and was a fun addition to the staff. I am so sorry for your loss -- my prayers are with you and his family.
LTC John Barfels
01/24/2013
"The whole challenge of life is to act with honor and hope and generosity, no matter what you've drawn. You can't help when or what you were born, you may not be able to help how you die, but you can, and you should, try to pass the days between as a good man."
It was an honor to have known SSG John Meyer.....he lived every day as a good man and he'll never be forgotten.
Deepest condolences.
Lorna Keeling
01/23/2013
I became num when I heard this news yesterday......so sad....
years ago Jim and John worked out at the fitness center...awesome boys.....Grandma Alice was sooo proud of both boys.....
my son Frank Williams knew John in the military..
he will be greatly missed.....
Andy & Marilyn Schutt
01/22/2013
Megan & Kathleen
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. John and our son David Halblom, were in high school together but a year apart. David said he was a nice person.
Please take care of yourselves.
Marilyn & Andy Schutt
LTC Dave Anker
01/22/2013
Another soldier and I visited John in the hospital just before he was to leave for rehab in Nebraska. His spirit was unbelievable, awe-inspiring and humbling. I'm so sorry that those who knew him as teacher, soldier, friend, son, brother, and certainly husband had to lose him so soon. Our family prays for your peace, God Bless You.
SPC Nowatzke, Raymond
01/21/2013
John was my team leader for a short time on the Kosovo deployment. He was always an inspiration to get in shape and fun to hang out with. My family and I send our deepest condolences to the family of John Meyer in this time of need.