Erwin Meier

Erwin Alex Meier died on March 4, 2021 in Brenham, TX. He was born September 7, 1935 in Burton, Texas.  His parents were Charlie and Matilda (Oevermann) Meier.  Erwin was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s UCC Church of Burton.  He was an active member and sang in the church choir.  He grew up and went to school in Burton.  He attended Hohenwalde Country School and had fond memories of walking with his siblings, neighbors and friends through pastures along the road to get to school even in freezing weather.  He attended Burton High School.  Erwin loved playing sports and lettered in basketball and baseball in high school.  He loved spending time with his high school friends.

After high school, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1957 and was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky and Gelnhausen Germany.  He returned to Brenham after completing his service in the military.  He trained as a mechanic while in the military and eventually opened his own business in 1969.  He owned and operated Meier’s Garage for 40 years before selling it.

Erwin met Ruth on a blind date and married her in 1958 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Brenham.  They were married for 62 years and had two children, Keith and Kristin.

Erwin liked helping people.  One story that he told was about growing up next to his pastor.  On Sunday mornings when the pastor couldn’t start his car, he would borrow Erwin’s car to get to church! He was kind at heart and nonjudgmental.  Erwin was a quiet person, but he was always ready to help someone in need.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church since marriage.  Erwin enjoyed playing volleyball in the church summer league and shared many memories of playing in championship games on Sunday nights.  He served on the Congregational Life committee, cooking and serving meals for the congregation for special events.  He was a member of the Berlin- Zionsville Fire Department and also a member of the Independence Historical Society for many years.

Erwin loved being outdoors.  He especially loved spending time on his farm.  After retirement, you could often find him on the farm – shredding grass, hauling hay, and feeding his cows.  He enjoyed fishing with friends on the coast and going deer hunting to Fredericksburg.

Erwin also enjoyed traveling with his family.  They traveled throughout the US and to many different countries over the years.

Erwin made many friends while serving in the army, and he kept in touch with them throughout the years.  Over the years, his division had many reunions.  Each person took a turn hosting the reunion in his hometown.

Erwin loved his grandchildren. When Megan and Mitchell were young, he enjoyed stopping at their house in the evening to hear about their day and to watch them play outside. He also loved fishing with Will and Emily when they came to visit.  After retirement, he enjoyed going to the gym and made many friends there.  One of their traditions was to meet for breakfast on Monday mornings.  He also enjoyed gathering and catching up with friends during their weekly Wednesday evening dinners.

Erwin is survived by his wife, Ruth, son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Wanda Meier, daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Scott Vacha, and four grandchildren, Megan and Mitchell Meier and Will and Emily Vacha.  He is also survived by his older brother and sister-in-law, Wilbert (Buddy) and Ruby Meier, sister-in-law Birdie Sommerfeld and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Matilda (Oevermann) Meier, his in-laws, Melvin and Martha Sommerfeld, sisters and brothers-in-law, Aline and Lloyd Gerland and Alfreida and Charles Herzog, brothers and sister-in-law, Wilfred Meier and Carl and Bern Nell Meier, and brother-in-law, Howard Sommerfeld.

Due to COVID, there will be a private, family graveside service at Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Visitation will be from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday March 8, 2021 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The family requests that you wear a mask and practice social distancing and other COVID precautions during your visit. After the pandemic eases, there will be a celebration of life memorial service and fellowship at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.