Norbert Al-Fred Meier

Norbert Al-Fred Meier, of Mascoutah, IL, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 at the MarKa Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL; born Dec. 20, 1933 in Troy, IL, to Wilbert and Emilie, nee Sudbring, Meier, where they farmed along with his older brother, Orville Edward Meier. He attended Lutheran School for eight years and McCray Dewey High School, and was later graduated from Shurtlef College in Alton, IL, in 1957.  He received his Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign in music education.  He later received a Specialist Degree from SIU-Edwardsville, IL.  He spent his final years at Mascoutah High School as director of the band and Chairman of the district music faculty.

He began playing the accordion at approximately nine years of age and by age 16 was teaching over 50 students. He continued teaching privately throughout his college years and his first years at Mascoutah Elementary School and Junior High for over fifteen years.  He consistently received first and first superior awards for his bands, solos, and ensembles at both schools.  He was a regular adjudicator at contests throughout the state of Illinois, a repeat director at festivals, and was active in Phi Beta Mu, Illinois Education Association, Illinois Music Educators, and the National Education Association, serving in various offices and on various committees.  He was president of his local teachers’ association, Lions Club, and active in his church, Zion Lutheran of Mascoutah where he served 52 years as choir director.  He was president of the congregation and served on committees when building a new church.  He received several awards, including Lion of the Year for his work with young people, 50-year Monarch Award for years of service, was a State Governor Secretary, and served on many committees throughout the years.

He was selected for membership in the prestigious ASBDA, American School Band Directors’ Association when he had completed his first seven years of teaching. He and his wife attended conferences for this association for many years.  He was on several committees, including membership.  As a member of Phi Beta Mu, he was instrumental in beginning a contest for composing original music for bands where he, along with other directors, chose and awarded a cash prize regularly for such compositions.

He and his wife accompanied the Universal Band of America on tours of Europe where they performed under his direction under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Michaelangelo’s Steps in Rome, Royal Albert Hall in London and other venues from London to Rome. He and his wife then traveled to six continents and 55 countries numerous times during the next years.  Walking on the Great Wall of China, observing animals in several African countries, visiting Victoria Galls in Africa, Izahu Falls in South America, the Buddist shrines in Japan, swimming the Great Barrier reef in Australia, climbing Machu Pichu in Peru, and seeing the Jesus statue in Rio de Janero are just a few of the high lights of their many travels.

He loved traveling but enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren second only to directing his band. William Bennet Snipes, born in Belleville, son of daughter Elizabeth (Ron Snipes), Elliot James Snipes, and Sophia Faith Snipes were a delight to him.  Deborah and Ken’s children, Benjamin, Justin, and Nicole Ebel live in Texas.  Justin is a student at University of Texas.  Deborah teaches music in San Antonio, and has a degree in music from Eastern Illinois University.  Elizabeth received her masters’ degree from Illinois State University in Bloomington, in communications.  She studied in Salsburg, Austria, and worked in Japan and Germany.  Her husband, Ronald, was tragically killed in an auto accident when the children were 6, 10, and 12.  William, the oldest, is finishing his degree at Grand Valley University in Michigan where he is studying business.  His sister, Sophia, is studying writing at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI.  Elliot is a junior in high school in Rochester, MI.  All of the grandchildren played some musical instrument and/or piano.

Norbert was especially proud of his son, David A. Meier who was awarded his doctorate in Diplomatic History of Germany from Madison, Wisconsin University, and teaches as a full professor at North Dakota State University in Dickinson, ND, where he resides with his wife, Shannon, and son, Alexander Luther Meier. He is the author of over two hundred publications and two books.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, Orville Meier; and a brother-in-law, James B. Eades.

Norbert is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Patricia, nee Eades, Meier, three children, David A. (Shannon) Meier of Dickinson, ND, Deborah (Ken) Ebel of San Antonio, TX, and Elizabeth Meier of Rochester, MI; seven grandchildren, his younger brother, Dr. Gary (Joyce) Meier of Collinsville, IL; two sisters-in-law, Marge Meier of Glen Carbon, IL, and Mary Rader Jackson of Godfrey, IL; brother-in-law, Forrest “Bud” Jackson; various nieces, nephews, great nephews; many church family friends, past students, special friends and neighbors.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Choir Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com .

Visitation: visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL; and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah, IL.

Funeral: funeral service will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mascoutah with Pastor Kirk Clayton officiating.  Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.