John Albert Meyer
John Albert Meyer, 81, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Born on May 9, 1945 in Milwaukee, John was the fifth of seven children. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, Ron, Bob, Jim, and Rich. He often joked that meant he’d finally won because he’d outlived them all. His wonderful sense of humor remained with him even through life’s most difficult moments.
On June 1, 1968, John married Cheryl “Sheri” Komarek at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Town of Spirit. Together they raised three children, Kevin, Jeff, and Nicole Lynn (Nicki), who passed away on July 4, 1974 from complications of cerebral palsy. Cheryl passed away on July 1, 2014, after 46 years of marriage. During their time together, even up to the end, on their anniversary he would say, “10, 20, 30, years… with the wrong woman.” She would hit him, he would smile, and they would laugh.
A Vietnam War veteran, John dedicated much of his life to helping others, particularly fellow veterans who struggled with the lasting effects of war. His own experiences with hardship, loss, and illness gave him a profound compassion for those facing struggles of their own. He believed that sometimes the greatest gift a person could offer was simply being there when someone needed them.
Years ago, John offered this piece of advice that reflected both his faith and the way he lived his life: “It’s necessary to go through the fire to be tempered and refined.”
Those words echoed 1 Peter 1:7, which speaks of faith being tested and refined through fire. If ever a man had been tempered and refined, it was John. Despite all he endured, he never lost his ability to love,
1945-2026
forgive, and bring hope to others.
John spent his final years living with his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Danette in Eau Claire, where they cared for him throughout his battle with leukemia. On Oct. 7, while preparing to return home from the hospital for hospice care, John experienced a moment of extraordinary joy. Surrounded by family, he spoke of seeing Jesus, his beloved, Cheryl, and daughter, Nicki. Smiling, laughing, and crying tears of happiness, he repeatedly exclaimed, “It’s so beautiful!”
That evening, back home, his great-grandson Dominic came into his room. Though John had barely spoken for hours, he called Dominic’s name several times before offering his final understandable words: “Bye, Love You, Bye.” The following afternoon, John passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Laverne and Dorothy; his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Nicki; brothers, Ron, Bob, Jim, and Rich; and sistersin-law, Paulette, Deanna, and Carolyn. He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Dawn), and Jeff (Danette); grandchildren, Kelsey (Josh), Brady, Zachery, and Jordan (Lexie); great-grandchildren, Haisley, Dominic, and Dylan; sisters, Jan (Paul) and Sue (Tim); sister-in-law, Judy; and many extended family members and friends.
John’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the kindness he shared, and the faith he carried through every hardship. His family finds comfort in believing he has been reunited with those he loved and has finally found the peace he so richly deserves.
He spent his life walking through the fire, his faith growing stronger with every trial. And in his final hours, with joy in his eyes and love in his heart, he could only say, “It’s so beautiful!”
Bye, Love You, Bye, dad. Funeral and memorial service arrangements will be announced.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice. com to share condolences online
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