Donald E. Meissen

Donald E. Meissen passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at the age of 87. Don was born on February 3, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois. He was the son of Raymond and Marie (Place) Meissen of Durand, Illinois. He grew up on the family farm and lived his entire life in Durand. While attending Durand High School, (graduating class of 1951), he met his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Goldy). They were united in marriage in 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Freeport, Illinois. Together they raised five children on the family farm where they established a diversified farming operation of livestock and crops. In addition to farming, he served as a transport pilot at the Machesney Park Airport throughout the 1950’s. In later years, he continued to fly as a small aircraft pilot and enthusiast. Don was an avid reader and maintained a strong interest in agronomy, animal sciences, mechanics, and all other aspects of agriculture throughout his life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, Warren. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; four sons, Francis (Esther) Meissen of Albertville, Alabama; Carl (Patty) Meissen of Durand, Illinois: Wayne (Ruth) of Roscoe, Illinois; Alan Meissen of Durand, Illinois; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin (Patty) Meissen; and sisters, Sue (Marvin) Richter and Carolyn (Steve) Panoske.

A private internment service for immediate family is to be held graveside to honor Don’s life on Monday, March 1, 2021 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Durand. The family requests that memorial donations in Don’s name be made to the Durand Area Food Pantry, Durand, Illinois.

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