Melba Elizabeth Meyer

Melba Elizabeth (Dufelmeier) Meyer, with the cross of Jesus before her closing eyes, died and was welcomed into her eternal home in heaven the evening of August 17, 2024. 

The second of six children, Melba was born at home in Bluffs, IL on May 6, 1933. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Concord (Arenzville), IL where she helped her mother care for the home, the garden, and her younger siblings. 

Melba was a first generation college student and in the first class of women at Concordia College, St. Paul, MN. She received her degree in Education from Concordia College, River Forest, IL. She taught elementary school in Springfield, IL; Charleston, WV; St. Louis, MO; and Conover, NC. Melba had a true gift for working with children. 

She met her husband, Edward, at Concordia College, St. Paul in 1950 where he was preparing for the Lutheran ministry. Melba and Edward were married August 20, 1955 and spent the next year in Charleston, WV where he did his parish internship. When Melba accepted the proposal of a young seminary student, she had no idea what the life of a pastor’s wife entailed. Nevertheless, she filled the role with dedication and grace. Wherever God led her husband, she followed. She was loved and respected in each of the 9 congregations he served in West Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, and Minnesota. 

Melba was a true partner in Edward’s pastoral ministry, which called him to work long and sometimes unpredictable hours. She was a loving mother to their three children, kept a keen eye on the family budget - aided by her garden and sewing machine, served in the LWML and other church women’s and children’s ministries, and managed to find time to be a World Book Encyclopedia representative. She exemplified the Proverbs 31 qualities of a godly woman.

Melba and Edward visited their children and their families often – traveling to Illinois, West Virginia, and New York. Always ready to help, she did many projects such as painting, wallpapering, sewing, building, and baking. Melba loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren - playing with them, reading to them, and gently teaching them (forever the teacher). 

Throughout their years together, Melba and Edward traveled to 49 states, including a 7 week trek by camper van from North Carolina to Alaska. Melba achieved her goals of seeing the state capitols (all except Hawaii) and every Laura Ingalls Wilder historic site.

She delighted in learning, gardening, bird watching, doing crossword puzzles, and most importantly, her family. She had a genuine interest in and cared for her entire family and many friends – she remembered every birthday and anniversary in her and Edward’s extended family. She had life-long friendships nurtured in the congregations Edward served and in the Int’l Lutheran Laymens League. 

Melba faced the challenges in her life with determination and courage, looking to the future with joyful expectation, grounded in her faith and trust in her Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Melba was a child of God, born again in the waters of Holy Baptism, and trusted God’s promises throughout her life. She remembered, always, what her confirmation verse proclaims - “for you have been bought with a price . . . ” (1 Corinthians 6:20). She has run the race, fought the good fight, and has joined the Church Triumphant.

A graveside memorial service will be held at The Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, IL on October 1, 2024 at 11 AM. 

Melba is survived by her husband of 69 years, Edward; sons Timothy (Heather) and Thomas (Deborah); daughter Tamara (Matthew); grandchildren Melissa (Patrick), Bryan (Elizabeth), Jason (Bethany), Faith, Grace, and Henry (Jazmn); great grandchildren Audree and Bentley; brothers Alvin (Joyce), Earl, Merle (Sharon); sister-in-law Marie; brother-in-law David (Vivian); and cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many, many friends. Welcomed into heaven before her were her beloved parents, Carl and Hulda Dufelmeier, her brother Edward Carl, and her sister Erna. 

We are grateful to all those who lifted Melba and our family in prayer, especially Grace Lutheran Church, Canastota, where Melba was a beloved member. We are thankful to Hospice of Central New York (particularly Matty and Sue), and Griswold Home Care (Mike, Essie and Carmell) for their support and compassionate care.

Contributions in her memory and honor may be made to Lutheran Indian Ministries, Brookfield, WI or LCMS World Relief, St. Louis, MO.