Erna Mildred Meyer's Obituary
Erna Mildred Meyer was born at home on the family farm in Pigeon, Michigan 16 December 1920 and died peacefully in her home in Rio Linda, California 4 December 2013,
just twelve days short of her 93rd birthday. She was the daughter of Henry Meyer and Emily (nee) Luedtke She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Emily Meyer and brother Harold Meyer.
Erna was baptized as an infant 9 January 1921 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pigeon , Michigan.
She began her education at a one room school (St. John’s Lutheran Parochial School) where her uncle Leo Luedtke was the teacher..
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In 1929, during “The Great Depression” her parents sold the farm and set out for California with their four children (Erna, Viola, Clarence and Harold).
The journey to California was not a joyful trip as her youngest brother Harold died en-route from pneumonia while visiting relatives in Minnesota and further along the way the family was lost in a desert area of Texas and had the worry of survival. In January 1930, they arrived in Placerville where her mother’s sister Louise Goltz lived with her family.
Erna’s family lived in a fruit shed on her aunt and uncle’s ranch for several months until moving to Elverta. After moving to Elverta, two more siblings were born to the Meyer family (Leone and Erwin “Butch“).
While living in Placerville Erna attended a small one-room Elementary School on Coon Hollow Road. After moving to Elverta she attended Lincoln School graduating as valedictorian in 1934. After grammar school she attended Grant High School, graduating in 1938.
Following graduation Erna stayed home and found work wherever she could. She worked in the cannery, did housework which led to becoming acquainted with the Grahams who invited her to live with them and encouraged her to continue her education. at Sacramento Junior College. When Erna moved to the Grahams, her wardrobe included one new purple pleated skirt and blouse to wear for school. After completing two years, at Sacramento Junior College and working she was able to save enough money to go to school at the University of California in Berkeley graduating in February 1945.
Following her graduation she worked for several years and, with more schooling, became a Certified Public Accountant and worked until her retirement in September 1995. After her retirement she worked independently for several clients.
Erna had a home in the Land Park area of Sacramento and continued to live there until 1998. After having had open heart surgery in August 1997 for a valve replacement and beginning to have some vision problems, she sold her home in Sacramento and bought a home in Rio Linda to be closer to her family.
In 1954, Erna had bought a house “The Cabin” in the redwoods at Brookdale near Santa Cruz. This has been used by many family members and friends throughout the years.
She also has been very generous in giving financial help to many family members as well as some non family members.
Her older nephews referred to her as “The General”.
Erna had managed to do a considerable amount of traveling and always enjoyed going on trips when she has the opportunity. She had traveled to Europe, Hawaii, The Holy Land, Canada throughout the United States and a cruise to Alaska.
Erna had also been very active in various charitable organizations. She was involved in the Venture Club, served on the board of the YWCA in Sacramento and has been a member of the Allied Arts Club and Soroptimist Club of Sacramento for many years. She served as president in both the Allied Arts Club and Soroptimist Club. As president of the Soroptimist Club (1965-1966) she had the opportunity to meet many other community leaders and represented the Club at all Area Councils, District Meetings and Regional Conference. During her year as president she also had the opportunity of showing two Soroptimists from Sao Paulo, Brazil the California State Fair.
Erna had been an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda, California since 1930. She was confirmed there on 25 March 1934. During her teen years she was active in Luther League. She was always willing to help with all activities at the church. As recently as 2007 (at the age of 86) she was elected to serve as treasurer and held that position for six years until February 2013.
Erna was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer 20 September 2013. She chose not to proceed with any treatment, which the doctor indicated would likely not have a positive outcome, and would make her very ill. She was cared for at home with family members and with the help of friends.
Erna transitioned to her heavenly home 4 December 2013 at 3:27 pm.. She died peacefully at home with family and a friend around her. She was ready to go asking God to take her. The Sunday afternoon prior to her death, she had asked her sister Leone, who had been her primary caretaker for the past three months, to call all the family and some friends to tell them she was going and wanted to see all the kids and the rest of the family. That afternoon she was surrounded by family who were able to tell her how much she meant to each one. It was a beautiful occasion that not many of us get to witness.
Following is a quote from the “Christ In Our Home Booklet” for that Sunday before her death expresses what Erna would wish for everyone.
“A terminal illness may afford the opportunity to speak important words to loved ones, but an accident doesn’t. We expect healthy, vibrant people to return each time they leave our presence, but no one is guaranteed another breath. Those who are left behind after sudden loss may have to live with their failure to resolve any conflicts or difference with the person who has died.
“ Is there someone who needs to hear that you care for him or her? Is there a misunderstanding that doesn’t need to last any longer? Does someone need to be encouraged so he or she can live with confidence? Do it now and plant a seed of peace.”
She leaves to mourn her death and rejoice in her victory in Christ:
Sisters: Viola Williams
Leone (Donald)Thorne
Brothers: Clarence (Ruth) Meyer
Erwin (Helen) Meyer
Nieces: Candy (Fred) Stiesberg
Debra (Robert) Newell
Jackie (Frank) LeLouran
Nephews: James (Nicki) Williams
Jay (Sue) Williams
Clay (Suzie) Meyer
David Meyer
Jeffrey (Debra)Thorne
Spencer (Tracy) Thorne
Michael (Jonna) Meyer
Great Nieces: Sara (Mark)Johnson, Amy (Nathan) Hogan,
Ashlie Thorne, Blythe Newell, Haley Meyer, Jenna Thorne
Great Nephews: James Williams, KennethWilliams, Tyler (Mallory) Newell,
Coleman Newell, Clay Meyer, Kyle (Nichole) Meyer, Scott Meyer,
Eric Meyer, Alex Meyer, Patrick Thorne, Taylor (Jaymee) Thorne
Great Great Nieces: Candace Williams, Rachel Johnson, Zoe Meyer, Sophia Thorne
Great Great Nephews: Austin Williams, William Johnson, Tanner Meyer,
Evan Hogan, Joel Hogan
Visitation: Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, 11 December 2013 at Sunset Memorial Park, 4701 Marysville Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95838.
Funeral Service: Thursday at 10:00 am, 12 December 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 515 L Street. Rio Linda, CA. Reception takes place in the Social Hall following the service.
Burial takes place at 2:00 pm at Sunset Lawn Memorial Park
Any Remembrances may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 310,
Rio Linda, CA 95673
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