Robert Dean Meester

Robert Dean Meester, 65, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2015, at Golden Living Center in Cozad. Bob was born September 22, 1949, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Walter J. and Hannah (Johanning) Meester. He was baptized on October 25, 1949, at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, as well as being confirmed in 1965. He was a 1968 graduate of Gothenburg High School, and continued his education at Hastings Technical College. He was united in marriage to Priscilla R. Nickerson on July 6, 1969, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Two daughters were blessed to this marriage, Kimberly and Amanda. Bob served his country during the Vietnam War from September 18, 1969, until his honorable discharge on October 11, 1971. He was discharged as a Sgt. E-5. His Army awards included the Bronze Star, as well as two Army Commendation medals. Bob was a Tool & Die Maker by trade. His working career included; Gambles Store while in high school, Co-op, Veetronix, Leon Chemical & Plastics, Sperry New Holland, Eiler’s Machine, Reach Electronics, Baldwin’s, and sold insurance for Farm Bureau Insurance. He was forced to retire after being diagnosed with MS and diabetes. He was also a cancer survivor. He was always active as a younger man and volunteered his time on the Cozad and Wood River Fire Departments, where he was also an EMT. He was present member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, also a former member of the Gopher Smokers, black powder group as well as a boy scout. Bob enjoyed gun collecting, woodworking, and being with family. His greatest joy was being with his grandchildren. To know Bob was a joy. He never met a stranger, had the gift of gab, and always had a smile on his face no matter how much he was hurting. He will be so missed. Survivors include his wife of 46 years; Priscilla Meester of Lexington, Nebraska; two daughters, Kim Meester and husband Todd Rosenthal of Lincoln, Nebraska, Amanda G’Schwind and partner Brian Woolley of Lexington, Nebraska; three grandchildren, Charles & Nick Rosenthal of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kelsey G’Schwind of Lexington, Nebraska; two sisters, Shirley (Ed) Claflin of Gothenburg, Nebraska, and Bonnie (Clifford “Dex”) Wedemeyer of Cheyenne, Wyoming; mother-in-law, Pearl Nickerson of Lexington, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Andrea Nickerson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A special mention to the staff of Golden Living Center for the loving care Bob received. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother and sister, Terry and Betty; two brothers, Larry & Ronald; father-in-law, Clifford Nickerson; two brothers-in-law, Clinton & Bradley Nickerson, and sister-in-law, Linda Meester. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be Monday, August 31, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Heartland Military Museum, Lexington Rescue Unit, or First United Methodist Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.