Raymond Fredric Meier

Raymond Meier passed away on August 10, 2026.

Raymond was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Marjorie of 66 years, and a deeply loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather whose greatest joy was his family.

Born to Walter and Mildred Meier (Johnson) on October 20, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Raymond grew up with a love of athletics. He graduated from Johnson High School in 1952, earning state level recognition in both football and gymnastics.

On April 16, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marjorie McKinzie. Together they built a beautiful life centered around love, faith, family, and devotion and his five children who remained at the heart of Raymond's life.

Raymond's happiest days were raising his children and taking them on special adventures together.

Vacations out West, camping up North, a Lake Cabin in Alexandra, fishing trips to Canada, summer nights at the outdoor theater and going to the Minnesota State Fair or enjoying large family gatherings to create a lifetime of memories.

He took great pride in watching his children participate in sports, concerts and musicals, he was always there to encourage them, cheer them on, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Raymond was known as the neighborhood dad on Bittersweet Lane. It was not uncommon to see him throwing the football or playing catch in the front yard with his kids and kids in the neighborhood. He always loved hearing the laughter that filled the backyard when family and friends cooled off in the swimming pool on hot summer days. In the winter Raymond filled up the family station wagon with anyone who wanted to join in the fun of skating at the Red Barn, but if you wanted to "shoot the puck" he had a small rink in his back yard for that. He always made everyone feel welcomed.

Raymond took great pride in his career at 3M where he enjoyed a variety of manufacturing positions and the wonderful people he worked with along the way.

His commitment to serving others extended well beyond his career. His early involvement coaching his children eventually led him to become Volunteer Director of the Maplewood Athletic Association. When he became Plant Manager of the 3M facility in Menomonie WI, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, and worked together in the community to bring the first artificial ice rink to Dunn County.

Retirement did not slow Raymond's desire to help others, he "gave back" through his volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for more than thirty years with both 3M and St. Andrew's Church. Together with Marjorie, he volunteered at the Dorothy Day Center the International Children's Fair and hosted gatherings in their White Bear Lake yard for the annual "Neighborhood Night Out."

Perhaps one of Raymond's greatest gifts was his willingness to help his family. He gave countless hours of his time, talent, and energy into helping build, remodel or make repairs in the homes of his kids and grandchildren.

He worked while also teaching hands on skills in construction and ceramic tiling, skills they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Raymond treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren. As they grew into adults they knew him as a loving and caring grandpa who supported them throughout their lives with a love that never wavered. They also knew Grandpa was never without one of his many adventurous childhood stories with his brother Rolly or as a young man with Marjorie's father Adrian.

Later in life Raymond and Marjorie enjoyed traveling together and exploring the United States, lunch on the road meant finding a park for a picnic and a quick game of cribbage.

They especially loved their trips around the world and the incredible places they visited.

As their family grew, the vacations continued and together with their kids and grandchildren they enjoyed an annual trip to a Minnesota Lodge on Web Lake in Hackensack Minnesota.

Raymond and Marjorie were always present for the moments that mattered most for their grandchildren. Cheering at sporting events, attending choir concerts and musicals and celebrating birthdays, proms, weddings, and baptisms, and gathering their growing family together around the holidays. Music, singing, Raymond playing his harmonica, prayer, laughter, and family filled their celebrations.

Raymond cherished every generation that came after him and took immense pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. His love for his family was steady, generous, and enduring.

Raymond leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and devotion.

He is survived by his children, Terry Meier, Timothy Meier, Wendy Hanzlik (Rich), Julie Otto, and Todd Meier (Sherry); grandchildren, Katie Wohler (Jason), Lea Schumacher (Keith), Laura Boero (Rob), Peter Meier (Alyssa), Luke Meier (Betsy), Derrick Sand (Lacey), Dylan Otto (Becca), Matthew Hanzlik (Matt Dittmore), Libby Bisio (Ryan), Gina Hanzlik (Ryan), Logan Jensen (Kirsten), Drew Otto, McKenzie Meier (Dylan), and Colten Meier; Darlene Meier, Jackie Jorden, Brian Otto; and 29 great-grandchildren; his brother in laws, James Nagle and Jerry McKinzie and Carol; and lifelong family friend Gloria Carpenter.

Raymond will be remembered not only for the life he built, but for the love he gave so freely and the lives he touched along the way. He taught his family that showing up matters, that family is worth investing in, and that a life of service is a life well lived.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 28th, 2026, 11:00 am, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, Minnesota. A visitation will begin one hour prior.

Memorials preferred to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and Habitat for Humanities.