Arnold "Ray" Meier

Arnold Ray Meier “Ray”, 86, of Annawan, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Allure of Walnut Nursing Home in Walnut, Illinois. He was born in Sterling, Illinois on April 7, 1937, the son of Arnold “Buck” and Virginia (Satterfield) Meier. Ray married Patricia “Patty” Simpson on November 11, 1955. They were married for 27 years and had four children together. On November 30, 1984, he married Pamela (Pavel) Meier in Annawan. Patty preceded Ray in death on February 13, 2014, and Pam recently passed away on March 29, 2024.

Surviving are two daughters, Mindy (the late Duane) Bollengier of Moline and Maribeth (Mitch) McNeil of Atkinson; two sons, Patrick (Stephanie) Meier of Peoria and Michael (Tiffany) Meier of Metamora; ten grandchildren, Danielle, Abigail, Matt, Megan, Lindsey, Ashley, Andrea, Charlie, Isabella, and Joseph; 11 great-grandchildren, Sidney, Sophia, Max, Chloe, Colton, Brayden, Addison, Olivia, Dylan, Karsyn, and Jayde; one brother, David (Barbara) Meier of Michigan; and one sister, Rosemary Ferguson of Annawan. Also surviving are two brothers-in-law, Richard (Pat) Pavel of Salt Lake City, UT and Robert (Kristy) Pavel of NC; two sisters-in-law, Connie Sand of Annawan and Sue (Steve) Livesay of Andover; and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Gary Meier; and two brothers-in-law, Glenn Ferguson and Bob Franks.

Ray retired as fertilizer plant manager from Coop Gas and Oil after 30 years, and farmed and was a former welder. He was an avid outdoorsman and he loved spending time on the weekends hunting. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in the National Guard from 1955 to 1957.

Ray and Pam will both be buried privately in Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, Illinois. Haskell Funeral and Cremation Services in Princeville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Annawan-Alba Fire Protection District 101 S. Main Street, Annawan, IL 61234, in lieu of flowers.

Condolences for Ray’s family may be left on his tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.