| Bio | Michael Lee Meister
NOVEMBER 27, 1945 – NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Mike Meister was born in Independence, Missouri to parents Homer Meister and Donna Meister (Amick). He graduated from Van Horn High School in 1964 before obtaining a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Kansas. He enlisted in the Navy after college, seeing the world through an artist’s eyes—finding perfection where no one else could. During his career, he returned to teach at KU before setting off on his journey that changed the face of his industry. Well-respected and well-liked by his colleagues, he designed everything from fishing reels and elements for Pizza Hut to amusement park rides and jet interiors for Cessna. Mike always made time to be involved in the lives of his six children: Joel, Lane, Marti, Paul, Eric and Becky. He’d been blessed to share in the enjoyment of nine grandchildren: Kyle, Hannah, Ethan, Breann, Tyler, Ema, Aubrey, Carson and Autumn. A tenth grandchild, Nora, will soon enter the world to learn all about her loving and accomplished grandpa. After retiring from Cessna, Mike dove headlong into redesigning his home wanting to add beauty to his surroundings and create a little piece of paradise right in his backyard. That, and catching up on the sweet indulgences of his childhood: listening to his music collection and taking in old sci-fi flicks. He would talk about all the work for which he had made great plans but had yet to do. In recent weeks, Mike took a trip back to his old stomping grounds in Lawrence. He shared steaks and beers with his best friend, Dave, as opposed to the discomfort of a hospital room. Shortly after his return from Lawrence, Mike was hospitalized and diagnosed with late-stage angiosarcoma. His only wish was that he could be here longer for his family. It seems the destiny of great men to see their goals unfulfilled. Mike was no exception, and he left behind a galaxy of memories for his family to cherish. He was there for us when we cried, when we laughed, when we failed, when we succeeded, and just because that is what good dads do. Thank you for your humor, your wisdom, your integrity, your guidance, and your love. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 12 at Resthaven, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas, 67209. |
