Gerald Lee 'Gary' Meis, 89, of Russell Kansas, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Russell Regional Hospital.
Gerald was born on August 4, 1935, in Catherine, Kansas and was the son of Aegedius Meis and Celestina (Karlin) Meis. He grew up in Catherine and attended school there and later in Hays, Kansas. He worked in the dairy business in his early years before joining the Navy, where he served as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was joined in marriage to Gracia Ostrom (Rassette) on September 5th, 1956, in St. Mary's Church in Russell, Kansas. From this union, they were blessed with 4 children - Randy, Rick, Shelley and Tessa. They were divorced in 1973.
During his life he worked on the freight docks in Denver, Colorado at Red Ball Motor Freight and afterwards moving to Houston, Texas, he worked at Con-Tech Engineering as a purchasing manager until retirement. After this, he moved to Russell, Kansas and started a pipeline construction and maintenance business with his son, Rick.
He was born and baptized into the Catholic Church. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and Elks Lodge. He enjoyed his work, spending time with his loved ones, and time with his friends.
Surviving family includes his son Rick Meis, of Russell, Kansas, daughter Tessa Meis (Joe Ernst) of Wilson, Kansas, sister Darlene Booth (Ronnie Booth) of Larned, Kansas, brother Dan Meis of Yuma, Arizona, sister Fran Amidon (Mike Amidon) of Junction City, Kansas, along with 7 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his son Randy, his daughter Shelley, his brother Ken Meis (Dolly Meis), and his great granddaughter, Randi Rene Casper.
Cremation has been selected by the family and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.
Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of memorial service arrangements.