Arnold "Arnie" J. Meier

On Sunday October 22, 2023 Arnold “Arnie” J Meier age 89 was welcomed into eternal life, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Henry Sr. and Amelia (Salzman) Meier, on February 27, 1934, the 3rd of 5 boys in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Childhood was spent in North Fond du Lac with him later graduating from UW Oshkosh, with a degree in mathematics.

In 1964 Arnie married Harriet, the love of his life. He was a devoted husband who always allowed Harriet to be her own person, which was his way of showing his love. He was also a loving father who put his family first, and provided well for them. Together they shared many wonderful times including annual family summer vacations. In later years Harriet and Arnie enjoyed camping and fishing trips in the Spring and Fall to Montauk State Park in Salem Missouri.

Arnie taught math for more than 30 years in the Rockford School District, mostly at Jefferson High, where he also coached basketball and football. Additionally he umpired for baseball.

When not at work, Arnie had a wide range of interests including playing Chess and Bridge. He loved the Green Bay Packers and seldom missed watching a game. Collecting post cards was a special hobby and finding additional post cards for his collection brought him much joy. But perhaps his greatest passion was collecting and refurbishing antiques with Harriet and his daughter Mary Jo. He loved all aspects of this but especially attending auctions, and selling at flea markets.

Arnie was also deeply committed to his church, including being an active member at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

He was a kind and gentle human being who was known for giving the best hugs. Family members loved having him for dinner because he always enjoyed sharing a good meal and wasn’t shy about having seconds, which always made the cook feel great.

Although Arnie was a man of a few words, this was not to be mistaken for his not having opinions. He was also a man of convictions.

Surviving Arnie are his wife of 59 years Harriet Meier, and his two daughters Martha Meier (special friend, John Lindenmeier) of Loves Park and Mary Jo Meier of Rockford. Also surviving him are his brothers, Melvin (Diane) Meier of Stevens Point, WI and Wayne Meier of Madison, WI; his sister-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” Meier; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Henry Meier, Jr., Herbert Meier and his sister Elizabeth Meier.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. Rockford with Reverend Scott Stolberg officiating. A luncheon at church will immediately follow the services. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery where Military Honors will be held. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.