Dennis “Ox” Meyer, age 79 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023, at his home. Dennis Dean Meyer was born on December 17, 1943, to parents Henry and Ruth (Belt) Meyer in Carroll, IA. He was baptized as an infant at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Carnarvon, IA, and in 1957, confirmed there as well. Dennis grew up in the Lake View area and graduated from Lake View Auburn High School with the Class of 1963. In high school Dennis made All State Choir all four years and was also a good athlete.
Dennis enlisted into the United States Navy in January of 1964. He served during the Vietnam Conflict on the USS Redfin Submarine and was honorably discharged as Torpedoman’s Mate 3rd Class in January of 1968. While in the service, Dennis was married and blessed with a daughter, Kimberly. Once discharged, he and his family moved back to the Lake View area where he farmed with his family. Dennis later worked for/farmed for Paul Bettin and then at Schenkelberg Implement where he would remain for the next forty-seven years. He worked as an Ag machinery mechanic there until he retired in 2013.
On March 28, 1981, Dennis married Cassandra “Sandy” Krueger at the Methodist Church in Deloit, IA. This union was blessed with a son, Eric. Together, the two of them raised their family in Lake View; a town and community that Dennis loved being a big part of. He donated his time and talents in so many ways. He was a member of the Jay-Cee Club, Black Hawk Men’s Club, American Legion, served as a rescue diver for the Lake View fire Department, and was a Scout Master for a very long time. During his time as Scout Master, fifteen young men achieved Eagle Scout rank. That says a lot about the kind of devoted leader Dennis was. He was also an active member of the Lakewood Trap Team during its time.
Dennis was a man of good character. He was giving, patient yet stern when needed, and was a principle-centered leader. He was an amazing mentor who over the years helped many youth find their way. He always made sure they knew he believed in them. He and Sandy had an open door policy and while that may have meant coming home to find a new teenager taking respite in their house, they wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Dennis and Sandy enjoyed traveling together. They once took a memorable trip to France and went on several cruises. In his free time, Dennis could be found on the water with a fishing pole in his hand or playing Euchre. He also enjoyed woodworking, collecting farm toys and coins, and bird hunting. He was a jokester who was always up for conversation with anyone; it didn’t matter if he knew you or not. Dennis liked to make people laugh and always told his children to do their best to ‘find the funny/humor’ in things as often as they could. He was an amazing soul who will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sandy Meyer of Lake View, IA; daughter Kim (Robbie) Akins of Uvalda, GA; son Eric Meyer of Lake View, IA; grandchildren Dean White of Lyons, GA, and Grayson Akins of Uvalda, GA; brother-in-law Keith (Karen) Krueger of Maquoketa, IA; special family member Jean Barker of Lake View, IA; many nieces, nephews, other extended family members, past Scouts, and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ruth Meyer; brothers Darrell Meyer and David Meyer; and parents-in-law Duane and Helen Krueger.