Roland Meeves


Roland served in the Iowa National Guard.


Roland Meeves
Funeral services for Roland Meeves was held Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning, Iowa. Reverend Patrick Sparling of Zion Lutheran Church in Manning officiated with Carolyn Kerkhoff as organist and Rubie Kastner as vocalist. Interment was in the Manning Cemetery with Ron Willenborg, Steve Willenborg, Alan Lorenzen, Allen Ehlers, Larry Meeves, and Byron Meeves as casketbearers.

Roland Keith, son of John E. and Goldie C.M. (Stammer) Meeves, was born December 9, 1935, in Manning, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm just north of Aspinwall and attended Aspinwall School through the eighth grade. He then attended Manning High School, graduating with the Class of 1953. He farmed with his father after graduation. During these years, Roland was a member of the National Guard of Iowa.

On December 10, 1960, Roland was united in marriage with Laurene Carol Claussen of Schleswig. They farmed four miles north of Aspinwall until 1975 when they moved to the family farm after Roland's parents moved to Manning. Roland and Laurene were the parents of five children. The family enjoyed riding horses and belonged to three different saddle clubs. Many happy hours were spent on trail rides, at horse shows and on camp outs.

Roland was an active member of the Crawford County Pork Producers, taking part in many promotions and holding different offices. He served on the Crawford County fair board for twelve years. From 1988 through 2000, Roland was very involved with stock car racing in both Denison and Harlan, and at times in Alta. He built and operated a "speed board" which displayed the lap and speed of the lead car for fans and drivers. He was known as "Radar" on the racing circuit.

Roland worked at Plastico Ltd. in Manning while farming in the early 1990s. In 1993, due to health problems, he left Plastico and gave up farming and started working at the Denison branch of Mauer Welding and Supply. He also worked part time at the Aspinwall Co-op. At this time he also started a woodworking hobby that expanded through the years. He specialized in doing intricate' scroll saw pictures. He and Laurene participated in many craft shows over the last years, demonstrating scroll sawing.

Roland was diagnosed with cancer early in 2007 and despite surgery and other treatment his health declined. With the help of Crawford County Hospice and his family, he was able to remain at home as he became weaker and died there on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and 23 days.

Preceding Roland in death are his parents and twin siblings Merlin Dean and Joan Beth in infancy in 1934.

He is survived by his wife Laurene Meeves of Aspinwall; five children: Bruce Meeves and wife Patty of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Keith Meeves and special friend Melanie Elter of Mandan, North Dakota; Rhonda and her husband John Sandison of East Harwich, Massachusetts; Edward Meeves of Norfolk, Virginia and Steven Meeves and wife Anita in Hockley, Texas; eight grandchildren: Amber Meeves and Taylor Jones; Madison Meeves and Kayla Elter; James and Skyeler Sandison; and Tyler, Riley and Bailey Meeves; sister Myra Wittrock of Manning; brother-in-law Ronald Claussen and wife Marilyn of Spirit Lake; other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be made to Crawford County Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Ohde Funeral Home in Manning, Iowa was in charge of arrangements.