CLAIR "ERNIE" MEIER, 57 of Ogallala, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Ernie was born on September 5, 1962, at Ogallala, Nebraska, to Richard and Mary (Dendinger) Meier. He graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1980.
Ernie worked at Safeway for twenty-three years, and during that time, he also achieved his second-degree black belt in Tae kwon do and was an instructor before heart troubles necessitated a change of life. Despite being disabled, Ernie lived a life that was full. He loved his daughter, Taylor, with everything he had. Ernie loved to cook and was always trying new things and perfecting old recipes. He also loved brewing beer and was a veritable expert in his craft. His drinks of choice were Diet Dr. Pepper and Sun Tea, and it wasn't unusual to see him "making his rounds" walking around town enjoying a bottle. Ernie loved a good joke and sharing stories. He was an avid fisherman and cherished the times he got to go fishing with his daughter. He was an avid Husker fan, but when Taylor decided to attend the University of Wyoming, he found room in his heart for the Cowboys too. Ernie's presence will be missed by family and friends alike. He will always be remembered for his warm smile and jovial demeanor.
Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Meier; stepfather, Harold D. Steinwart, as well as his grandparents.
Ernie is lovingly survived by his daughter, Taylor M. Meier of Ogallala; mother, Mary Steinwart of Ogallala; sisters, Ann (Greg) Sparks of Kearney, Ne, Jennifer (Jeremy) Pullen of Manson, IA, nieces and nephews, Grant (Serana) Sparks, Emily (Noah) Feese, Brighton, Brooklyn, and Jayden Pullen, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins, other relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Children's Diabetes Foundation in Ernie's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. Services will be streamed live at methodistchurchogallala.com, for those unable to attend.
Services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Cremation will follow the services.
Visitation will be on Thursday, from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.