Mel MEINEKE

MEINEKE, SWANSON, VERMIE, JORGENSEN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/4/2006 at 23:38:15

Mel Meineke, 75, who spent most of his life helping others as a family therapist and Presbyterian minister, died June 11, 2003, of cancer at his Overland Park home. He enjoyed his gift of life. "Every day is a good day," he said, even in the depths of illness. Another saying, "Reality is a ($%), but it's all we've got." His passions included, theology, human behavior, gardening, art, sports, music, cooking, eating, birds, bees and humor. He never turned away clients in need and never charged the going rate. He considered his 27 years as a therapist and 20 years in full-time ministry as related. "It starts out wanting to help others because you've been helped. . ." he said. "It's not complex. I call it being a part of eternity, being a part of the whole." His legacy is a tidal wave of positive karma for countless people who can honestly say, "My life is so much better for having known him."

He was born in Wright County, Iowa, November 27, 1927, the son of John and Clarice Meineke, and grew up in Austin, Minnesota. He earned a BA in liberal arts at Westmar College, LaMars, Iowa. His ordination followed studies at Dubuque Theological Seminary. His ministries included churches in Muscatine and Columbus Junction, Iowa, Grandview Park Presbyterian in KCK and First Presbyterian, Plattsburg, MO. He leaves his wife, Patti Swanson-Meineke, son, Matthew and his wife, Terri; son, Paul; daughter, Debbie Vermie; stepdaughter, Jodi Swanson; stepson, Eric Swanson and wife, Robin; daughter-in-law, Patty; brother, Mert and wife, Jean; sister, Joan Jorgensen; Meineke grandchildren, Patrick, Joshua, Luke, Nicholas, Stephen, Skyler, Sawyer and stepgrandchildren, Isaac and Lilly Swanson. He was preceded in death by his parents and recently by his son, Jim and his daughterin-law, Cheryl.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 16, at Maple Hill Funeral Home, 3300 Shawnee Dr., KCK. Cremation. A celebration of Mel's life will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Covenant Presbyterian, 11100 College Blvd. The family suggests memorials to the ALS Division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the church.

Kansas City Star, The (MO)
June 14, 2003