Walter Joseph Meyer

Walter Joseph Meyer (Walt, Joe, Pop-pop) was born in New Ulm, MN on April, 16, 1937 to Walter Sr. and Esther (Tappe) Meyer. He leaves many beloved and cherished family members and friends with countless memories.  Walter ‘Joe’ was the eldest of 3 boys (Walt, Jim, John) and a girl (Mary) and was very close with them.  He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Jim Meyer (wife Anita) and is survived by his brother John Meyer (Marilyn), and Mary Nicolai (John).  A special uncle to Toni, Brad, Jason, Jesse, Mathew, Craig and Brian.  He was brother-in-law to Bob Moses (Joan) and godfather to their children RJ and Elizabeth.

When Walter ‘Joe’ (as he was known is his youth) was six years old, his father and mother, Walter Sr. and Esther, along with brother Jim, moved to Waupun, WI. It was here Walter Joe would grow up and served as protector and mediator in childhood.  As a young child ‘Joe’ enjoyed building things, models of airplanes, trains and wooden cars. He even tried to enter a contest for automobile design with the Fisher Body Division of General Motors Co. ‘Joe’ was always tinkering with radios, high fidelity stereo systems and any electronic equipment available.

‘Joe’ and his brother Jim built one of the largest tree houses in Waupun in a massive Oak tree.  It really was a beauty and gained local fame. However, punishment was given to ‘Joe’ and Jim when it was discovered by their father that they had electrified the access steps to keep unwanted kids from gaining access to the tree house.

In high school, ‘Joe’ played cornet in the marching and pep bands, was on the junior basketball team, became involved with school social activities and just chummed around with good friends. He graduated Waupun HS in 1955 and his senior yearbook noted “A better friend you’ll never know if you acquaint yourself with Joe”.  After graduation, Walter ‘Joe’ and brother Jim threw one of the largest parties Waupun saw in 1955, of course while his parents and sister were visiting relatives.  They held local fame for police visiting the party not once, but twice that evening. Brother John, the youngest of the 3 brothers, lamented that he was put to work outdoors cleaning up the yard the next morning, while Walter ‘Joe’ and Jim cleaned the up house. John recalls filling a garbage can full of assorted beer bottles and cans that morning. To his dismay, John wasn’t even allowed to attend the party, having been ordered to bed just before it started.

Walter ‘Joe’ then attended Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduated in 1961, with an associate degree in computer technology. During this period ‘Joe’ filled his military obligation by joining the Army National Guard for a 6-year stint in the 32nd Red Arrow Division.  A favorite story he told was removing hundreds of splinters from guardsman after they had accidentally slid down a wooden climbing pole; by hand with tweezers. In addition to the National Guard, ‘Joe’ put himself through school working as a program analyst and data processing manager for Brown Fintube Company, as well as other assorted jobs in the Milwaukee area.

In 1963 Walt transferred with Brown Fintube to Cleveland, Ohio. He would next transition to a Senior System Analyst and Representative for Honeywell Information Systems. At Honeywell, he received awards for his work and contributions to technology advancement. In 1984, while working full time and raising a young family, Walt completed his Bachelor’s degree in computer science. Walt would spend the remainder of career in computer technology with Cuyahoga Community College and Cooper Tire/Standard Products, until retiring in 2001. Walt loved telling detailed stories of how advanced technology had become; computers that took up rooms, punch cards to tapes to floppy disks to ‘whatever the heck you kids use now adays’.

Walt regularly attended Lakewood Presbyterian Co-Ed group where he met many lifelong friends. Most importantly, after spiking a volleyball on her, Walt found the love of his life, Barbara Meyer (Moses). They enjoyed many fun dates together, especially boating and learning to water-ski. After marrying in 1975, the joy of their lives, Andrew Meyer (son), was born. They took great pride and enjoyment guiding and developing him into the caring and generous man he is today.  Amongst many other activities with Drew, Walt coached soccer, baseball, and was involved with Cub Scouts and Brecksville Band Boosters. During his lifetime Walt’s enjoyment of craftsmanship continued, having remodeled both family homes, building two boats, and restoring Barb’s 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Walt gave freely of his time and talents through volunteerism in his community. He was active in Brecksville Kiwanis, where, among many roles, he chaired the Car Show, and enjoyed working the Horse Show and Easter Egg Hunt. Walt was a long-time driver for the Brecksville Human Services and Meals on Wheels. Walt was active with Barb in their church congregations, Parma Lutheran Church, Triune Lutheran, and Christ the Redeemer.

Walt deeply loved Kathryn Meyer (Andrew’s wife/daughter in law) as his own daughter and friend. In later years, Walter was “Pop-pop” to his cherished grandchildren William, Joseph, and Claire. As they remember, Pop-pop was an expert storyteller, pancake maker, had an awesome pool, and loved to ‘pull their hair, toes, and give silly tickles’. Walt adored listening to their music, watching their sports games, and never took for granted the pure joy of watching his grandchildren simply be children.

“If you can’t move it, paint it!”

The family requests memorial contributions in honor of Walt be made to: Kiwanis Foundation of Brecksville attn: Scholarship Program, PO Box #41475, Brecksville, OH, 44141.  Kiwanis Foundation of Brecksville is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Family will receive friends at 10:00 AM on Saturday April 30, 2022 at Christ The Redeemer Lutheran Church 9201 Brecksville Rd. Brecksville, Ohio 44141, with a memorial service at 10:30 AM with Pastor Randy O'Donnell officiating. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)