November 16, 2021 – West Bend, WI – William R. “Bill” Meier passed away on November 14, 2021, at the age of 99 years. He was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on May 27, 1922, to William F. and LaVerne M. (Hastie) Meier.
He grew up in Eau Claire and graduated from Memorial High School. After graduation, he spent two years at the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire. His education was interrupted by World War II, and he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve program in 1942 and was called to active duty in early 1943. After months in officer’s training, he became a bombardier and was assigned to a crew in B-17 heavy bombers. His station was in England with the Eighth Air Force. He finished his tour as a first lieutenant on VE Day, May 7, 1945, with 28 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and other campaign awards.
After the war, he finished his college career at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He earned a BBA degree in accounting. He met his college sweetheart, Marjorie Boerner, also a UW graduate, and they were married on Flag Day, June 14, 1947.
The Wisconsin Telephone Company in Milwaukee hired him as a supervisor in their accounting department where he stayed for 6 years. Then in 1953, Bill joined the B. C. Ziegler Company in West Bend, Wisconsin, working in the acquisition and underwriting department. He was associated with the Company for nearly 40 years. He retired as a senior vice president and director.
Bill enjoyed spending time traveling with his family, including numerous Elder Hostels with his wife. He played tennis, golfed into his 90‘s, was an avid Badgers and Packers fan, read many books, and loved the challenge of a good crossword puzzle.
Bill was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, West Bend Noon Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), West Bend Country Club, Eighth Air Force Historical Society, and other volunteer organizations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Elayne. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Marjorie; daughter Virginia of Madison, Wisconsin; son Bradley (Stacey) of Atlanta, Georgia; granddaughter Bonnie (John) Bennett of Charleston, South Carolina; grandson Brian (Julie) Meier of Atlanta, Georgia; and 3 great-grandsons.
There will be a private family service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 140 N. 7th Ave., West Bend, WI, followed by interment in Washington County Memorial Park on November 20, 2021.