Steven K. Meyer, age 75, a resident of Hastings, peacefully passed away at his home on December 31, 2023, surrounded by his loving children.
Born on May 18, 1948, in Luverne, Minnesota, Steve was the son of Lois and Robert Meyer. Raised on a farm near Magnolia, Minnesota, he was one of seven siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Graduating from Magnolia High School in 1966, Steve excelled in sports, particularly contributing to an undefeated senior year football team and holding the school record for the mile run.
After briefly attending Winona State, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1967, where he served aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during two deployments to Yankee Station off the coast of Vietnam. He retired in 1988 as a Master Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of dedicated service, spending the latter part of his naval career as a recruiter for the Naval Reserve.
Steve was an active member of the American Legion Post 47, serving as Past Commander. His commitment to the organization included working as a Service Officer, assisting numerous veterans in obtaining their VA disability benefits.
Known for his vibrant social life, he enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, hunting, and skeet shooting. A fixture at the Legion's Happy Hour, Steve cherished spending time with his grandchildren, whether traveling to visit them overseas or cheering them on during their sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert K. Meyer; niece Nancy Hagen; and brothers-in-law Roger Beaty and Marc Cooper.
Steve is survived by his mother, Lois Meyer Ahrendt of Luverne, Minnesota; and his children: son, Brian (Diane) Meyer of Hastings, Minnesota, and daughter, Stephanie (Andrew) Lovich of Rosemount, Minnesota. He is also survived by his siblings, William (Fiona) Meyer, Robert (Kim) Meyer, Nancy (Marc) Cooper, Sandi (John) Hagen, Kathy (Alan) McArthur, and LeAnn (Roger) Beaty. Additionally, Steve leaves behind eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nine nephews, four nieces, numerous great-nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A military funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Rotary Pavilion in downtown Hastings. A reception at the American Legion will be held at 3 p.m. following a happy hour from 2-3 p.m. at the American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).