Fred William Meinzer

Fred William Meinzer

Rosary for Fred William Meinzer was recited at Peet Mortuary Chapel by the Rev. Bernard Bianco May 30 with the Mass of Resurrection read by the Rev. Philip Colibrara, Bishop Hubert Newell and Munsinger Kimmett at St. James Catholic Church in Douglas June 1.

Fred W. Meinzer was born August 22, 1891 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Frederick and Maria Meinzer. He died May 26, at the Niobrara County Nursing Home.

At an early age he moved with his parents to Omaha, Neb., where he grew up and was educated in Omaha schools. He was later employed at the Omaha Box Factory. In 1912 he moved to Sydney, Neb., where he was engaged in farming. In the spring of 1916, Meinzer moved to Wyoming where he filed on a homestead 12 miles north of Lost Springs in Converse County. He operated his ranch there until the summer of 1980.

An outdoor sportsman, hunter and fisherman Meinzer's greatest hobby was collecting rocks and arrowheads which were plentiful on his ranch. He also carved tables and lampstands from the cedar trees frown on his ranch. All of his art work is now on display at the Douglas Pioneer Museum. He was also well-known for his charity toward the poor and needy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother. He is survived by two sisters, Sister M. Francita Meinzer of Wheaton, Ill., and Mildred Bricker of Falls City, Wash; one brother Louie Meinzer of Canon City, Colo.; 11 nieces and nephews.

Memorial may be sent to the Niobrara Nursing Home. Interment was in Douglas Park Cemetery. Active bearers were William Meinzer, Kenneth Meinzer, Ted Pennington, Lionel Zahrowski, Bob Manning, George Etchemendy, Prosper Etchemendy and Wilbur Wright.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records