Gary D. Meistrell, age 76, died Sunday, October 6th at home from cancer.
Gary is the first born son of John and Lillian (Schelbitzki) Meistrell. He was born in Lincoln, NE on January 2nd, just missing being named the New Year's Baby but managing to come into this world during a huge snow storm in which the Doctor himself drove all to the hospital.

As a State Patrolman, Gary's father, John Meistrell was transferred periodically.
Gary started his education in O'Neill. In fourth grade they moved to Columbus, where he went to school until his freshman year when the family then moved to Fremont. Upon graduating from Fremont High he moved to California.

In California, Gary worked for Western Electric in installation before military duty. He served in the 48th Medical Battalion, 2nd Armored Division, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas two years active duty. He then completed two years Reserve, and two years Standby in California. With his six year obligation complete he received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Western Electric.

Gary married his eighth grade sweetheart, Loretta Williams of Columbus, NE in California. After several years they moved back to Columbus and Gary started his restaurant career with the purchase of The Diner on Hwy 81. A few years later his father-in- law took over the business and Gary moved to Saunders County. In Inglewood he started the Wooden Windmill from a half empty, burnt-out building. With Gary's hard work, great employees, and loyal customers, the restaurant was a success.

An avid antique collector for years, it was no surprise when he moved a Dutch mill built in 1900's from Silver Creek to the front of the Wooden Windmill or that he stopped the destruction of a Victorian house built in the late 1870's, moved it from Military Ave to Broad St. in Fremont and took on the task of a complete "house restoration".

As Gary's health declined he sold Wooden Windmill and bought a motorhome. He and Loretta enjoyed great trips, usually with a group of their old California friends, and every January and February was spent with them in Quartzite, AZ.

His pride and joy in life was raising his daughter, Jessica. And later, that extended to his two grandchildren, Flynn and Hadley, whom he loved spending time with. Gary always, always committed random acts of kindness, from the time he only had an extra dollar to share to being very generous. He never told anyone, he just enjoyed doing it.

Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Loretta, daughter Jessica (Matt) Fickbohm, grandchildren Flynn and Hadley Fickbohm all of Fremont, sister Sondra(Phil) Upham of Scottsdale AZ, brother-in-law, Jim(Pat) Williams of Irmo, SC and Craig Williams of Columbus, NE, nephews Jeremy Williams of Lincoln, NE, Nowell (Evelyn) Upham of Dallas TX, Britton (Alex) Upham of Austin TX, Tory (Connie) Upham of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; nieces, Trisha (Shane) Williams of Charleston, SC, Mindy (Jeff) Linden of Gardner, KS and Chris Wiese of Columbus; and nine great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were: his parents, John and Lillian, an infant brother John Jr. , father-in-law and mother-in- law Dean and Vera Williams, sister-in-law Marilyn Williams, and brother-in-law John Ekberg. Also meeting him at the Pearly Gates with tails wagging will be Ralph, Freddie and Peyton.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday October 9 at 10:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Michael McGregor officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00. Memorials may be directed to the Dodge County Humane Society or please strongly consider committing a Random Act of Kindness in Gary's Honor. Condolences may be left at www.duganchapel.com.
Burial will be in Green Mound Cemetery in Saunders County.

Dugan Funeral Chapel
402-721-2880


Funeral Services will be held Wednesday October 9 at 10:00 A.M. at the
First United Methodist Church. Rev. Michael McGregor officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the family
present from 6:00 to 8:00. Memorials may be directed to the Dodge
County Humane Society or please strongly consider committing a Random
Act of Kindness in Gary's Honor. Condolences may be left at
www.duganchapel.com.