John E. Meirowsky, 82, died Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at Newton Medical Center. He was born July 2, 1935, in Hillsboro to George and Florence (Winkley) Meirowsky. On July 5, 1958, he married Betty Mathews, and she survives of the home.
John was a longtime active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was retired from the Santa Fe Railroad, where he worked as a carman.
He enjoyed bowling on teams at Play Mor Lanes, and following his retirement, he took up cleaning and janitorial duties at the bowling alley as his retirement job. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed following their sports teams. Going to the Notre Dame campus was highlight for John. He enjoyed following his kids and grandkids in their activities. John could be found on his favorite lake or fishing lease as often as he could. He greatly enjoyed spending time on the water patiently waiting for the next big catch. Of all of John’s joys in life, his greatest was that of loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Family gatherings were a special time for him. John found meaning in the praying of the Rosary and prayed it devotedly.
He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; daughters, Cynthia and Bill Timmons of Castle Rock, Colo., Melinda and John Brennan of Wichita, Marcy Renollet and Bryan Plenert of Newton, Janel and Steve Rogers of Newton, and Amy Yearout of Andover; one son ,Matt Meirowsly and Krista Birkelo of Rapid City, S.D.; eight grandchildren; and three step-grandchildren.
John is preceded in death by his parents, one brother Francis and an infant son David.
Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Nicholas Voelker celebrant. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 3 to 5 p.m. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Private family interment will be in the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Florence.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Mary’s Catholic School or Harvey County Special Olympics in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
