Joseph Meier was born May 28, 1929 to Frank and Catherine (Mardian) Meier in Roscoe, SD where he spent his childhood. On February 1, 1948, he moved to Wisconsin and Illinois where he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. Joseph was drafted into the Army on September 27, 1951, and served in Japan and Korea until September 27, 1953. After returning home the railroad relocated Joseph to Mitchell, SD, where he met Jeannette Erpenbach. On May 28, 1955 they were united in marriage. At that time he had a job in Milwaukee, WI and they later moved to Byron, IL where he worked until retirement on May 31, 1991. They stayed in Byron until July 15, 2004, when they returned to Mitchell.

Joe is survived by two sisters, Barbara Babe Dooley of Woonsocket, SD, Helen Spitzer of Roscoe, SD and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; one sister, Elizabeth Betty Lammle, and six brothers, Wendell Meier, Adam Meier, Anton Meier, Albert Meier, John Meier and Peter Meier.

Memorial may be directed to the American Cancer Society.