Paul W. Meyer Obituary – Shorewood, WI

Of Whitefish Bay, WI died peacefully in his home of 58 years on January 21st. He is predeceased by his wife, Elise T. “Pud” Meyer, his parents Arthur W. and Mildred C. Meyer, his brothers Arthur W. “Mike” Meyer Jr, Mike’s wife Sy M. Meyer, brother William C. Meyer, in-laws George H. and Fidele “Yoyo” Tiernan, brother-in-laws William Stanford and David McMahon, and sister-in-law Carla McMahon.

Paul is survived by his children Carl (Amy) Meyer, Chris (Polly) Meyer, Catherine (Michael) Williams, and Cami Meyer. Also survived by his grandchildren Tiernan and Drew Meyer, and Matthew and Colleen Williams. Further survived by his brother George (Nancy) Meyer, sister-in-law Gloria Stanford, step-grandchildren Anne, Emma, and Clara Link, and great-granddaughter Scarlett Ederle.

A lifelong resident of Wisconsin, Paul grew up in Shorewood and on Oconomowoc Lake. He met the love of his life, Elise “Pud” Tiernan, as a youngster and pursued her for 15 years before getting married, a marriage that would last 60 years. Paul graduated from Country Day and then Babson College. He worked for and later became President of Motor Transport Company; he was also a Board Member of the Wisconsin Marine Bank.

A devout husband, Paul shared a hug and kiss with Pud each night once he was home from work—occasionally followed by his favorite Manhattan. He loved working in and perfecting his yard, making the grass fit for a country club and sculpting laser-straight hedges by hand. He was a supportive and generous father. From teaching the importance of saving to the virtue of a spotlessly-shoveled sidewalk, he instilled in his children a sense of responsibility and the value of discipline.

The “Captain”, as he was called, loved to sail; from Sunfishes, C-scows, and Tech Dinghies to the Dennis Sullivan on Lake Michigan, there was always a smile on his face when he was at the helm. He also loved to ski and did so into his 80’s. He always wanted to catch the first tracks, be it at Heiliger Huegel socializing with the Top of the Hill Gang, at Vail with the Vail Stags, or at Aspen, Snowmass, or Steamboat with the family. Paul also enjoyed many years playing tennis and paddle at The Town Club, where he was a longtime, and active, member.

In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and many dear friends. While extremely frugal in day-to-day life, Paul believed that memories would last forever and trips were the time to splurge. He took his sons and grandsons on the trip of a lifetime to Alaska for a week of fly-in/fly-out fly-fishing. He celebrated many of his significant wedding anniversaries, including his 50th wedding anniversary with his family, at the Cloisters at Sea Island where he and Pud had honeymooned.

A Rotarian who was honored for 50 years of perfect attendance, he gave his time and resources to many charities. For decades, he was a regular blood donor and rang the Salvation Army bells at Christmas.

Paul was a lifelong Catholic, with early schooling at St. Robert’s, and able to say his prayers until a few days before his passing. Like Rotary, Paul showed up for mass at least weekly his entire life.

The family would like to acknowledge the tremendous care provided by Derica Carter and Rebecca Buttrum from Home Care Assistance.

A Mass of Christian Burial, mask required with social distancing, will be held at St. Monica’s Parish in Whitefish Bay on Saturday, January 30th at 11 AM. Interment will be private for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to St. Monica Parish, Hire Heroes USA, the Charles E. Kubly Foundation, or the charity of your choice.