Olaf Hellmuth Meier

Olaf Hellmuth Meier, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully June 6, 2014. He was born September 1, 1926, in Steinpleis, East Germany, to Hellmuth and Hilda Gertrud Fellermaier Meier. At six months of age he and his parents immigrated to America, settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Upon entering school, Olaf was faced with the struggle of learning English. During his younger years he found various odd jobs to help his family through the Depression. He was heavily involved in the building and landscaping of his family's first home. Through these experiences he learned the value of hard work and enjoyed the fruits of his labors. At 18 he heeded the call of his country, serving in the last days of WWII in the Philippines and Guam. Immediately thereafter he accepted the call as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to serve in the Texas-Louisiana Mission. In 1950, Olaf began an eternal bond with Maria Hanna Klopfer, of Werdau, East Germany, whom he met through miraculous ways. During a 10 day trip to Berlin, he met and married his sweetheart on September 13, 1950, their marriage being solemnized nine months later in the Manti Temple. They welcomed into their union four sons and one daughter and created a gospel-centered home where firm but loving parenting was given. Olaf enjoyed working with his hands, and as his own boss, created from scratch two successful appliance repair businesses both in Milwaukee and Salt Lake City, Utah, where in 1968, he moved with his family. Following the prophet's counsel, he tended a large and bountiful garden and generously shared his harvest with neighbors and family. Olaf's greatest joys were serving his Savior and family. He accepted many callings in the church, including scoutmaster, ward and stake missionary, and gospel doctrine teacher. He especially enjoyed sharing his testimony of the gospel through service. Together with Maria, they served temple missions in Samoa, South Africa and the Philippines, enjoying every minute. He was also a dedicated temple worker and sealer for many years in the Salt Lake and Jordan River Temples. Olaf is preceded in death by his parents; younger brother, Eldon Arlen; and daughter-in-law, Debra. He is survived by his dear wife, Maria; children, Darrell (Sherisse), Kelvin (Sarah), Denise (Douglas) Datwyler, Brice (Laura), and Reed (Debra); as well as 21 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. All of us hold dear his loving example and look forward to the day when we shall be together again. Sincere thanks go to CNS Hospice, social workers and staff of Avalon West for the kind care and concern given to Olaf and his family. Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates. Nickname:OliPlace of Birth:Steinpleis, East Germany