Hal Dean Meinecke

Services for Hal Dean Meinecke were held May 5 at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson, with visitation May 4 at the funeral home.

Pastor Ryan Johnston, of Omaha, provided words of comfort.

Casket bearers were his grandchildren: Sophia, Grant, Audrey and Gretta Guiter; Ava and Ella Smithson; Jessica, Emilie and Kellie Prince; and Hunter and Holden Heard. 

Debbie Menning was the pianist and Dale Menning was the soloist. Songs chosen were “In the Garden” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Recorded song by Grant Guiter was “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Interment took place at Franklin Cemetery in Cooper, with military rites by Lt. Col. Ryan Meinecke, who presented the flag, the United States Army Detail from Camp Dodge and American Legion Post 44 from Bayard.

Following the services was a luncheon at the Jamaica Community Center.

Hal Dean Meinecke, son of George Meinecke and Joan Mears Kelley, was born Oct. 12, 1946, in Jefferson and died at his home in Jamaica on April 29.

Hal grew up in the Jefferson area and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1964. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard.

On Aug. 12, 1967, Hal was united in marriage to Connie Rae Ponx. The couple was blessed with three children: HD, Amy and Abby.

He loved spending time outdoors boating, fishing and camping with his children. Hal worked for Oscar Mayer in Perry for many years before starting his own backhoe business and several other business endeavors.

Hal was a generous and thoughtful man who would do anything for anyone. On June 17, 1989, Hal and Diane Suter Heard were united in marriage. Diane, along with her two children, Tracie and Tim, became part of the family. The couple lived in Jamaica for the past 34 years.

Hal loved telling stories and would make new friends everywhere he went. He enjoyed taking road trips and he loved going to watch his children and grandchildren in all their many events. Hal will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, George, and mother Joan; brother-in-law Ed Suter; sister-in-law Donna Bruening; and nephews Mark Johnston and Adam Meinecke.

Hal is survived by his wife, Diane Meinecke, of Jamaica; children HD Meinecke (Monica), Amy Guiter (Aaron), Abby Smithson (Todd), Tracie Prince (Pat) and Tim Heard (Kara); 11 grandchildren: Sophia, Grant, Audrey and Gretta Guiter; Ava and Ella Smithson; Jessica, Emilie and Kellie Prince; Hunter and Holden Heard; stepmother Roberta Meinecke; stepfather Jerry Kelley; sisters Nancy Johnston (Denny) and Trudy Hastings (Chris); brothers Chris Meinecke (Vicki), Robert Meinecke (Sheri) and George Meinecke (Michelle); brother-in-law John Bruening; sister-in-law Judy Suter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Memorials in his name may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.