PIERCETON – Aloysius R. “Al” Meinert, 85, Pierceton, passed away at 3:10 p.m. July 3, 2016, in his residence. He was born Jan. 12, 1931, in O’Fallon, Mo., to Aloysius A. and Honora E. McLaughlin Meinert. On Aug. 26, 1967, in Fort Wayne, he married Beverly Denney, who survives in Pierceton. Formerly of Mentone, he was a Pierceton resident since 1967. He was a contract producer for Maple Leaf Farms, Milford, since 1958, producing world-class duck products. He faithfully and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force in the Air Force Reserves and active duty from February 1954 to January 1956 during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of first lieutenant (T). He was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw, and current member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Pierceton, and Archbishop Noll Council 4511 of the Knights of Columbus. Also surviving are a daughter, Laura (and companion Chad Birchum) Meinert-Bidle, North Webster; a son, Kevin (and spouse Brandie) Meinert, Kendallville; five sisters: Marcella Heldman and Isabellea Mathias, both of Indianapolis; Thelma Bruce, Arizona; Ruth (and spouse Cletus) Heldman, Maryland; Anastasia (and spouse Patrick) Mudd, Missouri; a brother, Donald (and spouse Anita) Meinert, Illinois; five grandchildren: Bree Bidle, North Webster; Chloe Meinert, Sofia, Brayden and Jill Colbert, all of Kendallville; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clarence “Brick” and William; and a granddaughter, Noel Meinert. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Pierceton, with Father Chuck Herman officiating. A rosary service will be at 7 p.m. today in McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton, with military honors conducted by Pierceton American Legion Post 258 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral chapel. ***** Memorials to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church 408 W. Catholic St. Pierceton, IN 46562; or the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County 3489 E. 100S, Pierceton, IN 46562. To sign the guest register or leave condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
