Gus Meidinger's Obituary
Gus Meidinger, born to Fred & Christina Meidinger in Lehr, North Dakota, a farming community near Jamestown ND, population 362, consisting primarily of Germans migrating from the Black Sea region of Russia.
Gus was the youngest of 3 brothers. He also had 3 sisters.
Preceded in death by his 5 siblings; wife, Mildred; sons Robert & Gerald; & granddaughters Christy & Keri.
Survived by son Donald and daughter, Rhonda Rouse. Also 10 grandchildren & 35 great grandchildren!
At age 16, Gus joined the CCC work camps established by President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression to give young men opportunity for jobs. After the CCC, Gus moved out to CA to join his brother Emil in the Sacramento area. His brother Adolph stayed farming in ND. His sisters, Mary, Erna, & Lorraine eventually moved out to CA as well.
After his CCC experience, Gus settled in Sacramento where he met his love, Mildred Murray. Through courtship & marriage, he always called her "Lady", never Mildred, & forever treated her as the lady she was. Married 54 years until the passing of his dear Lady. Blessed with 3 sons, Robert, Gerald & Donald, Gus was then drafted into the Navy in 1944, serving in the South Pacific Islands on a Troop Cargo ship.
After the Navy, Gus learned the hardwood flooring trade, working for Fosberg Flooring. He soon decided to start his own business, which he called Gus Meidinger & Sons Hardwood Flooring, supporting his family comfortably & not retiring until his 70's (to care for his Lady who had become ill & needed his full time care).
After 3 sons, Gus & Lady finally had a daughter, Rhonda! They made their home in Carmichael in a home on Holloway Ln. The family joined the Faith Lutheran Church, Fair Oaks, in 1956. Gus served as an usher & was an active member of Faith Lutheran for 67 years!! Gus was active in the Moose Club & VFW. A favorite pastime was camping which they did often with their church group & family. Plus dancing - they loved dancing, especially to the Tennesse Waltz, teaching all 4 children to dance. Gus & his Lady were a beautiful couple, having a beautiful relationship - giving their 4 children a Christian upbringing, showing them how to love, honor & respect family. They taught their sons to be good husbands & their daughter loyalty & faithfulness, which Rhonda has shown, throughout her life & through Gus's last breath. Each of his sons became journeyman floor men. Four flooring businesses began & flourished because of Gus Meidinger & Sons.
In his long life, Gus did experience some times of great sadness. Primarily the illness & death of his dear "Lady". And the passing of two sons, Gerald & Robert. Also the passing of two granddaughters, Christy & Keri. Difficult also was the passing of each of his 5 siblings.
Gus was rarely sick, always in good shape: He went skydiving at age 99 & was still riding a bright red Honda Gold Wing motorcycle through his 80's! And he made it safely through Covid! Because of Covid, for his 101st birthday, he was celebrated with a "drive-by" ongoing parade of well-wishers, consisting of the Fire Department, Police Department, Keystone Cops, motorcycles, cars, & trucks all decorated with lots of hollering & honking. He loved it!
Gus is remembered also by his many sayings, which the family calls "Gus ism's" - such as, "don't take any wooden nickels", & "You must have a plan B" & "Okie Dokie".
Just 5 months shy of his 104th birthday, Gus peacefully entered into the arms of his Lord, the afternoon of Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Fair Oaks, CA, his daughter Rhonda by his side, holding his hand.
Rhonda & Don wish to express their appreciation for the loyalty of family & friends in visitations, cards, gifts, & prayers for Gus in his last years. He loved getting visits & calls & goodies, plus honors given him for his being a Veteran.
Well done, Gus!
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