Herbert "Herb" William Meis

Herbert "Herb" William Meis, 75, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Grace Pointe, a continuing care facility in Greeley, Colorado, following his battle with cancer.

Herb was born December 5, 1940, in Cheyenne Wells, Colo., to Elizabeth (Schmidt) and William Meis. He was the third son in a family of seven children.  

Herb grew up on a small farm on the outskirts of Weskan, Kan. One of his favorite childhood memories was riding his horse, Tut, with his friends. He also had some great memories of spending time on the farm with his brothers Larry, Fred, Milton, and Norman and sisters Vera and Betty.  Herb was naturally timid, but his father encouraged him to participate in 4-H and become a roper and compete in rodeos. After his high school graduation in 1958, his family moved to Jamestown, Kan. It was there that he met Judith "Judy" Regina Kieffer at church. A friend dared Herb to ask Judy on a date. She turned him down, twice, but the third time was the charm and the rest is history.

Herb went to automotive tech school in Kansas City in 1960 and returned the next summer. He married Judy on May 18, 1961, in Jamestown, Kan. Within eight years, their first five children were born in nearby Concordia, Kan, all delivered by the same doctor.

Herb started his career working for his father in his Case farm equipment dealership. He then continued his career in farm machinery sales and management, which took him and his family to several communities in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska.

Herb was ambitious and hardworking, anxiously concerned for his family's welfare and innately compassionate. He never hesitated to help anyone. He also had a great sense of humor and a laugh that no one could miss. 

After raising their six children, Herb and Judy spent many more wonderful years together, where they enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and riding their motorcycle.

Herb valued relationships and spent many mornings connecting with farmers and friends at local coffee shops – creating lasting friendships. He was a faithful Catholic and active member of the Knights of Columbus and most recently, a lector at St. Catherine's Parish in Iliff, Colo. 

He found joy in his family, spending the last year of his life with his children and relishing in visits from his siblings. Herb's hobbies included classic cars, going "up the hill" to play penny slots in Black Hawk, Colo. and motorcycle rides with his friends.

During the final weeks of his life, Herb's physical health rapidly declined, but his faith in God, his love and gratitude for family and friends, his strength, personal courage, and his unfailing determination grew fixed and firm as a testament of his true character.

Herb will be lovingly remembered by his six children, Timothy (Vicki), Duane, Regina, Concetta (Robb) Rood, Melanie (Paul) Prestwich, and Catherine (Jason) Masek. He will also be fondly remembered by his 12 grandchildren, Nicole, Tyler, Chase, Levi, Kyli, Kieffer, Bowen, Samuel, Elizabeth, Kate, Jonas, and Silas. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Tallen, Casen, Ashlynn, and Seamus

He is also survived by four siblings, Sr. Vera, Fredrick (Jean), Elizabeth "Betty" (David) Huryta, and Milton (Mary).

He was preceded in death by his wife Judith Kieffer Meis, and brothers Norman "Finnian" and Larry.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, with Vigil service and Rosary at 7 p.m., at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling, Colo. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 5, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Iliff.  Burial will be at Chappell Cemetery in Chappell.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Plains or St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church can be made to the Herb Meis memorial, care of Chaney-Reager funeral home.