Lewis S. Meinert

LEWIS S. MEINERT Lewis S. Meinert, age 73, formerly of Marshall, now of Hendersonville, TN, died peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2006 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Lew was born January 24, 1933 in Muskegon to Raymond and Mildred (Berg) Meinert. He grew up in Montague, graduating from High School there. He then moved to Chicago, and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army. Her served from 1953-1955, during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Western Michigan University, earning his B.B.A. in 1958. In 1972, he earned is M.B.A. He was affiliated with Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Lew married Janis Palmiter in Kalamazoo in 1958. Soon after, he joined State Farm Insurance Company as an underwriter, an association that lasted 38 years. He retired in 1997 as an Operations Superintendent. Through the years, he earned several insurance designations; CPCU, CLU, ChFC and FLMI, as well as taught insurance classes. He also served as president of the Southwestern Michigan Chapter of CPCU, as well as serving on one of it''s national committees for several years. The Meinert''s lived in Battle Creek until 1972 when they moved to Marshall. While in Battle Creek, they were members of First United Methodist Church where Lew taught Sunday School classes, and served on the Council Of Churches. In 1972, they became members of Marshall United Methodist Church. He was a member of DAV#65, Marshall Executive Club, Exchange Club, Marshall Country Club and The Medalist. After moving to Hendersonville , Lew and Jan joined First United Methodist Church , the Poe Williams Class, and the Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club. His interests included traveling, golf, reading, bridge and wintering in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Lew was most proud of his family. In addition to his wife survivors include daughters Laura (Bill) Dake of Versailles, KY and Lynley (Mark) Ebeling of Hartselle, AL; four grandchildren, Julia, Janet and James Dake, and Melissa Ebeling; his brother John Meinert of Arlington Heights,IL and sisters Arlene Lichtenberger of Wheeling,IL and Darlene Rinehart of Shelby,OH; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Matthew in 1987. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 3PM at Marshall United Methodist Church with Rev. Len Schoenherr and Rev. Howard Lyman officiating. Committal services for the family at Mt. Ever Rest Cemetery in Kalamazoo will precede the services. Arrangements are by Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials be directed to Marshall United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or The Salvation Army. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home.