James Edward Meyer

James E. Meyer, age 83, of Rochester, MN died Monday, January 18, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. James "Jim" Edward Meyer was born June 25, 1937 in Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Arnold and Eleanora (Wuertz) Meyer. He was a graduate of Austin High School in 1955 and Austin Junior College. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 14, 1956 in Minneapolis, MN. He obtained the rank of Private First Class and was honorably discharged. Jim married his loving wife, Carolyn Cain, on December 30, 1960 at Grace Lutheran Church in Dodge Center, MN. They resided in Rochester, MN from 1960 to 1976, Hayfield, MN from 1976-2015 and returned to Rochester in 2015. Jim worked as a Systems Analyst at IBM for 31 years, until his retirement in 1991 and continued to farm for many years. He cherished his wife and dearly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. When he wasn't on his beloved John Deere tractor, he could be found on the golf course, ready with a deck of cards or supporting his grandchildren's activities as their #1 fan. There was nothing Jim wouldn't tackle or couldn't fix. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, share a story or just take time to listen to friends and neighbors. Jim was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for 59 years, where he served as an elder and usher. In addition to being a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club, Jim was a Little League Baseball and Hockey Coach in Rochester and later was a Legion Baseball Coach in Hayfield. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Carolyn Meyer of Rochester, MN; four children, Scott (Patricia) Meyer of Greenfield, MN, Jeffrey Meyer (Julie Daulton) of Burnsville, MN, Cynthia (David) Lewis of Stewartville, MN, Christine (Nathan) Klema of Prior Lake, MN; seven grandchildren, Tiffany Meyer (Kiel Ortega), Brady (Kourtney) Meyer, Taylor Meyer, Thomas Lewis, Justin Lewis, Alexis Klema and Andrew Klema; brother-in-law, Robert Eggleston of Marion, WI; sisters-in-law, Carol Meyer of Mound, MN, Eileen (Richard) Miller of Rochester, MN, Jacqueline Cain of Dodge Center, MN; nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Eleanora Meyer; granddaughter, Katrina Marie Meyer; brothers, Robert (Florence) Meyer and Arnold Meyer; sisters, Irma (Vern) Mueller and Theadale Eggleston; and brother-in-law, Grayston Cain. Private family services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN. Interment with full military honors will be held on Friday, January 22 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN or American Cancer Society. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Meyer family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.