Richard "Rich" Meier

Richard "Rich" Meier, age 71 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday evening, August 31, 2017, at Good Samaritan Society in Stillwater, following a four year battle with cancer. Richard John, the son of Frank and Dorothy (Zeien) Meier, was born on February 11, 1946, in Hastings. Following his graduation from Hastings High School with the class of 1964, Rich enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving, Rich was injured and was later granted an honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Sharon Dunbar on August 24, 1968 in San Diego, California. Rich also earned a two year certificate in electronics. After returning home to Hastings, they were blessed with two children, Scott and Amber. Rich was a longtime employee of MNDOT, first starting as a snowplow driver, later a heavy equipment operator, and eventually retiring as a Supervisor. Rich was also an inventor, which led him to own Meier Product. Outside of work, Rich was well known for his ability to fix just about anything, as well as building furniture and even his and Sharons home. Rich also enjoyed working on cars, teaching firearm safety courses, gardening, hunting, fishing, and just being outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy; his sister, Jean; two nephews and one niece. Rich is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon; two children, Scott (Michelle) Meier, and Amber (Troy) Tarnowski; three grandchildren, Megann, Joshua, and Miranda; his siblings, Gerry, Judy, Marlene, and Cathleen; his many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 7, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father David Hennen officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings, and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at church on Thursday morning. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings.