Willis "Willie" Edward Meiss

Willis “Willie” Edward Meiss, 82, of South Bend, IN, passed away in the comfort of his home on November 9, 2017. Willie was born in La Crosse, IN on April 15, 1935 to the late Ezra and Anna (Stieglitz) Meiss. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1958 – 1960. He married his wife of 54 years, Jean, in Pueblo, CO in 1963. He earned his Associate Degree while in Pueblo and later went on to earn Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Willie lived in South Bend for many years and worked as a teacher for Greene School and for Navarre Middle School until his retirement in 1997 after 32 years.

Willie Meiss was an amazing husband and father. He was a veteran, blood donor, and attended Ridgedale Presbyterian Church for many years. He donated his time through the Lions Club and coached several sports at Greene School. He loved golfing and playing cards. He was an avid gardener with the greenest of thumbs. Upon retirement, he and Jean traveled the United States taking the roads less traveled to see the country they loved so much. Above everything else, he was a devoted family man. He was always there and supported and loved his family through all the good times and tough times. He will be dearly missed.

Along with his wife Jean, Willie is survived by three sons, Bill Meiss of Mishawaka, IN, John (Kim) Meiss of Mishawaka, and Jim Meiss of Westfield, IN; along with four grandchildren, Josie, Kassidy, Alex, and Quinn; and two sisters, Wilma Bruder of La Crosse, IN and Hazel Tesmer of Valparaiso, IN. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, LaVern, Roland, and Ralph Meiss; and a sister, Vera Berkshire.

Funeral services for Willie will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel. Friends may visit with the family 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Willis Meiss may be made to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Online condolences may be left for the Meiss family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

 Service Information