Don Meier, a beloved father, dedicated professional, friend and passionate mentor, has passed away on January 27, 2025.

He was born October 27, 1936 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Oliver and Leila Meier and raised in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. He leaves behind his daughter, Julie Meier and son-in-law Gregg Smith of Carlisle, Massachusetts, and daughter Karen Meier of Huntington Beach, California, and grandchildren Alexa Taylor (Smith) and Morgan Smith now both in Colorado. Don was predeceased by his loving wife Shirley Meier (Sitzman) in 2014. Don and Shirley were married in 1962 in Las Vegas, NV and started their journey living in Seal Beach, CA. Don's sister, Sharon (Meier) Kapke, lives in Lincoln, NE and his brother, John Meier, who was predeceased also of Lincoln, NE

Don graduated from Sergeant Bluff High School in 1955 and soon after joined the United States Navy serving as an air traffic controller in San Diego, California, until his honorable discharge in 1959. He continued his career working with the FAA as an air traffic controller starting at Long Beach Tower until 1962. Don then moved to Los Angeles Tower where he worked till 1968. An opportunity opened to become supervisor at Orange County Tower where he worked until 1972. He finally transferred back to Los Angeles airport as a team supervisor until his retirement in 1987. Don went on to share his expertise and teach RADAR procedures for air traffic control while based in Shanghai, China during 1994 for the Washington Consulting Group. Don loved the challenge of the job and received several awards for the job excellence and "aircraft saves" from the ATCA.

An avid bass fisherman, golfer and a talented storyteller, Don also excelled as a semi-professional bowler. He achieved several 300 games and multiple 800 series and even played for a brief period on the Senior PBA, a thrilling experience he cherished. After his tenure with the FAA, Don became the Boating Editor of California Angler Magazine, merging his professional skills with his passion for fishing.

Don and Shirley, eventually returned to Shirley's hometown, Greeley, CO in 1994, where Don dedicated his energy to teaching and mentoring the Junior Bowling program at Highland Park Lanes. This endeavor became Don's passion, allowing him to engage with youth and impart valuable life lessons through the sport.

He formed a special bond with his dear friend Norma Carter in his later years who provided companionship and support until her passing in 2023. Don moved to Carlisle, MA in 2022 and lived with Julie and Gregg where he spent time outdoors and playing cribbage with friends at the local COA

Don Meier's legacy is marked by his dedication to his family, his contributions to air traffic control, and his unwavering commitment to mentoring young bowlers. His spirit and stories will be fondly remembered by all who knew him

The family plans to have a celebration of life service for Don in Greeley, CO in the springtime.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Don's cause for the Junior Bowlers of Greeley with this GoFundMe:  Don's Junior Bowlers  .

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.