Emil Meitzner

Emil Hubert Meitzner, age 94, died Sunday, May 20, 2018 at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on October 18, 1923 in Jefferson, Wisconsin to Emil and Gertrude Meitzner. The oldest of six children, he was predeceased by his parents, sister Lois and brothers Gilbert and Robert.

Beloved husband of Audrey Meitzner for sixty six years, Emil was the loving and caring father of eight children; Eric (Ann Andersen) Meitzner – Solon Springs, Wisconsin, Ann (Bob, deceased) Brooks – Wausau, Wisconsin, George Meitzner – Aurora, Colorado, Karl (Louise) Meitzner – Solon Springs, Wisconsin, Leonard Meitzner – Tucson, Arizona, Jane (Brad Kennedy) Dolan – Wausau, Wisconsin, Luther (Jill) Meitzner – Dayton, Ohio and Andrew Meitzner – Wausau, Wisconsin. He was a cherished and esteemed grandfather to Maggie (Scott) Highhouse, Samuel Brooks, Norah (Jason) Brown, Kevin Kennedy, Sunshine Meitzner, Catharine (Brett) Karow, Benjamin (fiancé Chelsea Mayton) Brooks, Jet Meitzner, Katie Kennedy (deceased), Erin (Lauren) Meitzner, Seth (Megan) Meitzner, Erika (fiancé Tony Price) Meitzner, Clara Kennedy, Kjersti Wendlandt and four step-grandchildren. Emil left twelve great-grandchildren to share their memories of him; Carmen Highhouse, Cole Highhouse, Baye Highhouse, Jackson Brown, Julian Brown, Annarose Brown, Owen Highhouse, Bradley Kennedy, Willow Highhouse, Deacon Brown, Myla Kennedy, Phineas Karow, and Baby Brown, soon to be born. His beloved dog, Boris, was Dad’s comfort and companion, especially after Audrey died.

Emil and Audrey lived in Superior, Wisconsin for the first several years of their marriage. Emil spent many months during those first three years on geographical surveys in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. When Audrey was expecting their third child, she strongly suggested that he come home, and this time, stay home. He wisely agreed, and became a civil engineer for the DOT, working in Superior until his retirement in 1985. They moved in 1967 to a farm in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, where they raised cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, goats, rabbits, horses, dogs, cats, a raccoon and their children for the next forty-nine years.

Emil fulfilled a long-cherished dream after retirement, riding his motorcycle to Canada and the West Coast, following the Pacific Coast Highway down to visit brother Boots (Robert) in San Francisco, and coming back home several weeks later. In 1986, with their kids grown and out of the home, the couple joined the Peace Corps and spent the next two and a half years in Botswana, Africa and surrounding areas. This was followed by a six month world tour on their way back to Wisconsin. The farm became their home base as they traveled to visit sons in Spain and Italy, and friends in India, Scotland, Wales, Hong Kong, Denmark, and several of the United States.

In their seventies, Emil and Audrey began accordion lessons, and spent hundreds of hours at the World of Accordions Museum, practicing, playing in recitals and helping in any way needed. Emil built and donated shelving for most of the instruments and other exhibits, became a handyman when things needed fixing, and served thirteen years on the Board of Directors.

In 2015, Emil and Audrey moved to Wausau, Wisconsin.

Emil was, above all else, a poet and philosopher. He read voraciously and was always eager to discuss anything and everything, from politics and religion to literature and philosophy. Emil read to his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids – classical poetry, essays, historical works, and if asked, even a children’s book now and then. He was interested in technology, and owned desktop and laptop computers, an iPad, tablet, Nook and smart phone. He was brilliant, endlessly fascinating to talk with, a truly gentle soul.

We will miss you so very much, Dad.