Neil Meinke

Neil Meinke, 69, of Holland, died Monday, May 11, 2009 after a courageous battle against leukemia, at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Born in Oak Harbor, Ohio, Neil received his Bachelors Degree from Bowling Green State University. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Salem, Massachusetts. His professional career was primarily served as a coach and teacher at West Ottawa High School and Middle School and later as a realtor for Greenridge Realty. He belonged to the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association, Hope College DeWitt Center and was an active member of First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lee Troxell.

Neil was well loved by his family. The miles never seemed to divide them as Neil and Connie were often hosting family get-togethers or planning trips to Ohio or Florida. A major sports enthusiast, Neil was on top of every sporting event. Whether watching games on the big screen or cheering his grandkids from the sidelines, Neil clearly loved sports. Most people that knew Neil well referred to him as Michigan’s biggest Ohio State Fan – Go Buckeyes! With Connie proudly flying her U of M colors, as far as sports go, it was clearly a house divided.

Surviving Neil are his wife of 22 years, Connie Meinke; his children, Paige (Wayne) Wicks of Ohio, Matt (Hayley) Meinke of Florida, Stacey (Rick) Sharpe of Florida; step-children Jeff (Tammy) Jalving, Jamie (Tom) Hafke; seven grandchildren - Morgan and Madison Wicks; Hillary, Tim, and Betsy Hafke, Jordan and Jenna Jalving, brothers-in-law, Gary (Linda) Speet, Larry (Sally) Speet, sister-in-law, Linda Speet and Lou Ann Ziolkowski; his niece, Cynthia Long and his nephew, Michael Troxell.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 12 from 4-8 PM at Dykstra Funeral Homes, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue, Holland.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 57 W. 10th Street in Holland, with the Rev. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald officiating.

Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Northwood Chapel, www.lifestorynet.com