Dean William Meier

Dean William Meier, 77 passed away peacefully to be with the Lord in his home on August 11, 2021. Dean was born in Russell, Kansas on October 24, 1943 to parents William and Viola Meier. He grew up on a farm in Norton, Kansas, and graduated from Norton High School after attending Walnut Ridge School, a one room schoolhouse grades one through eight. Dean graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in business. He first worked for Boeing as an auditor and then was hired by USF&G Insurance Company as a traveling auditor, later was transferred to the Tampa office of USF&G.

In 1978 Dean married Colette Kershaw of Orlando, Florida after meeting at Disney World. Dean and Colette had two wonderful children, William Lester and Deana Colette.

After moving to Cocoa, Dean joined Kershaw Insurance Agency from 1980 until the late 1990’s. He also worked for Buchanan Company then for Florida Housing Authorities Risk Management Insureds until his retirement. He was a volunteer for the Public Housing Commission, City of Cocoa, as chairman for nineteen years.

Dean enjoyed college football, especially Florida State University, with daughter Deana. He was all ready for college football, asking Colette when the game was on. Dean and family enjoyed camping, mostly at Ft. Wilderness at Disney World, and to North Carolina. Many years were spent in attendance at Walt Disney World. Dean loved to travel and he and his family went on many cruises as well.

Dean’s joy was to support his children in their accomplishments. He was an integral part of their lives growing up, spending time with them and all the activities they and their friends were involved with. He was at their swim meets, volleyball games, piano recitals, and dance recitals. He was always very proud of their lives and the adults they became, never missing any part. Dean was not a warm and fuzzy man, but you always knew that he cared deeply for you.

In the quiet times, Dean read paperback books and books on his kindle. Another pleasure was sitting on the front porch. Dean was very fond of cars, his latest was a two seater Honda S2000, it was very difficult to give that one up.

Dean commented several time to Colette that if he had known that he would live this long, he would have taken better care of himself. In the past few years when he became wheelchair bound, he became involved with Rock Steady Boxing and Parkinson Wellness Recovery, both being exercise programs specifically for Parkinson patients.

Recently Dean was very proud of Deana and her husband Richard, for adopting the three children that they had been fostering. The three grandchildren called him Podge and their visits gave him many smiles! Dean spent many hours on the front porch of the family home in years of late, with his service dog Baron.

He attended Faith Lutheran Church from 1982 until death. Dean was a lifelong Lutheran, and he served on many boards at the church.

Dean leaves behind his devoted wife of forty three years, Colette, daughter Deana Meier Pierce and husband Richard Jr; grandchildren Emilia, Olivia, and Isaiah; sister Evelyn Sprigg and husband Dean; brother George and wife Joan; sister-in-law Kay DiStefano; many nieces and nephews and Dean’s dedicated service dog Baron.

Deana and Colette want to thank all the friends and family, caregivers, and St. Francis Reflections for their support and kindness. We had a long journey, but with God’s Mercy, Grace and Faithfulness, we made it. Dean is no longer suffering and is at peace. We will remember him as a quiet man, straight talker, committed to family , his faith, and his belief in work ethic. We will miss his dry wit and his smile. When you see a rainbow as the grandchildren did the day Dean passed, “Podge is saying hi”.

Colette personally wants to express her gratitude to Deana, Lindsey and Kay for their unwavering love and support during this journey with Dean. Thanks Be to God!

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, you may make donations to one of the following:

New Horizons Service Dogs, Inc., 1590 Laurel Park Court, Orange City, FL 32955

Faith Lutheran Church, 280 East Merritt Avenue, Merritt Island, FL 32955

St. Francis Reflections Foundation, 1250 B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32763