William C. (Bill) Meister

William C. (Bill) Meister went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of his life Margie, on Saturday, August 27, 2016, with his seven children by his bedside. Bill, who was born on August 25, 1926, was the youngest of 11 children. He was preceded in death by his wife Margie and his parents Ralph and Amelia Meister, his seven brothers (Clayton, Walter, Earl, Robert, Pete, Ralph, Jr., and Jack) and his three sisters (Lucille, Jane and Kate). Bill adored Margie and they both loved their children more than words can describe: Timothy (Cheryl) Meister of Canton; Mark (Barb) Meister of Chardon; Scott (Torrie) Meister of Louisville; Mary (Marco) Capanni of Los Angeles, CA.; Amy Meister of Los Angeles, CA.; Lisa (Jack) Flynn of Tolland, CT. and Melissa Meister of Hollywood, CA. In addition to their own children they were blessed with 18 grand-children and 18 great grand-children. Bill attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Cherry Elementary School where he was the starting point guard on the 1939 championship basketball team. At McKinley High School, where he graduated in 1944, he managed the football team for two years under legendary coach Bup Rearick, and earned spending money as a Canton Newsboy. Following high school he graduated from the William McKinley School of Law and then served our country faithfully as a Navy Seabee in World War II, where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for two years. In 1946, Bill met and fell instantly and madly in love with Margie (Lhota) at Heggy's Candies in Canton. Their love story cannot be done justice in these few words. They were married on April 12, 1947 and were inseparable for 68 years. Bill and Margie lived their love, showing their children daily how to love one another unconditionally, blessing their children with their faith in Christ, compassion, care, laughter and the gift of music. Bill and Margie are once again dancing in Heaven to their favorite song, Satin Doll, and to anything by Sinatra. They will reminisce about dinners at Lucia's and Benders, vacationing in Miami, their years in Old Saybrook, CT., and their time spent with friends and relatives during the holidays (especially the best Christmas days ever for their kids). During his working career Bill was the Vice-President of Manufacturing at Canton Containers and the Vice-president of Manufacturing at Fortune Plastics in Old Saybrook. Bill was a member of Basilica of St. John the Baptist where he served the Lord as a commentator and communion distributor. Bill was a remarkable father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grand-father, uncle and friend. He would always say "It doesn't get any better than this", living his life with contentment, gratitude and humility. If he were here now he would say "Thanks for everything" which he told his children often in his final days. We love you dad. Thank you for everything. Bill made many friends at St. Joseph's Care Center in Louisville where he passed away. The family expresses deep gratitude to the nursing, religious and lay staff that supported him throughout his stay and in his final hours. Their ministry is an incredible testimony to the power of Christian service, compassion and love. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 30 at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist with The Very Reverend Ronald Klingler as celebrant. The family will welcome visitors as they arrive at the church beginning at 9:30am and Mass will begin at 10:00am. Private interment will be in Saint John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations on behalf of Bill can be made to St. Joseph Care Center, 2308-Reno Drive N.E. Louisville, OH 44641.