Cleber Daniel Meyer
December 18, 1928 - December 3, 2020
From: Superior, NE | Originally: Spencer, IA
Cleber Daniel Meyer, the son of Ernest and Elsie (Krager) Meyer was born December 18, 1928 in Moneta, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Moneta, where he received his education, played school baseball and basketball, sang in the school choir, played the clarinet, and began his love of farming. He was one of seven members of Moneta High School's graduating class of 1948.
After graduation, Cleber pursued his love of cars and helping people by working at a couple of Spencer gasoline service stations. For fun, he started the first Ladies Baseball team in Spencer and the team he coached won the 1948 Clay County League Championship.
When war broke out in Korea in 1950, Cleber enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After basic training in New York, Cleber was sent to advanced training in Oklahoma. He was stationed at Neubeberg Air Force Base outside of Munich, Germany. After serving his two years, he received his honorable discharge and returned home to Spencer.
Cleber met Marlys Fie at the Trianon Roller Skating Rink in Spencer, Iowa in April 1953. They were married on August 16, 1953 at Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer, Iowa.
From this union, Cleber and Marlys were blessed with four children. Dawn (Meyer) Hansen, David Meyer, Todd Meyer, and Tara (Meyer) Lopez.
Because of Cleber's love of cars and helping people, they purchased Ray Pietz's Service Station and it became Cleber's Service in 1955. Over the years, Cleber and his service station became a popular institution in Spencer and were well-known for always being good to people. People could always find him either at the station or at one of his favorite coffee shops around town. After months of thinking about it, Cleber and Marlys retired from business in 2008.
During that stage of his life where he was building his career, Cleber was very involved in a number of Spencer's civic organizations. He served more than 50 years in the Abu Bekr Shrine and Spencer's Masonic Lodge, was a founding member and President of the Shrine's ATV Corps, spent several decades as a member and Governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge in Spencer, and was a 50-year+ member of both the American Legion and the V.F.W.
Cleber loved Spencer and always said, "Spencer's been good to us, we should give back." He served 13 years as a member of the Spencer Volunteer Fire Department in the 1950s-60s. He served for a number of years on the Peoples Natural Gas Advisory Board. He was appointed to the Spencer Board of Adjustments in the 1980s where he served for 8 years. Cleber was elected Mayor of Spencer in 1994 and loved serving the people in that capacity for 10 years.
As Mayor, he helped the city through an important growth period after the farm crisis of the 1980's. During his mayoral tenure, the city built the Family Aquatic Center, led reinvestment in the city's infrastructure, welcomed new companies to town, restarted the Industrial Park, and started the Deerfield Estates Development.
In leading the city, Cleber also served Spencer by being on the NW Iowa Planning and Development Commission, a member of the Policy-Making Board for the Iowa League of Cities, and was President of the NW Iowa League of Cities.
Throughout his life, Cleber taught his children and grandchildren many things. However, his most important lessons were: the value of honesty and integrity; the importance of being good to all people; and to love your family, friends, and community. Cleber always said, "If you walk around with a smile on your face, people will smile back, and that will make you both feel better."
After testing positive for COVID-19 in November, Cleber passed away at the Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior, NE on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 2 weeks. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Cletes Meyer, sister-in-law Betty Meyer, brother-in-law Larry Fie, brother-in-law Elmer Gealow, son-in-law Louis Hansen, and all of his aunts and uncles.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marlys Meyer of Superior, NE; his sister, Clysta Gealow of Marshalltown, IA; his brother-in-law, Bob (and Linda) Fie of Apple Valley, CA; his sister-in-law, Jackie Fie of Sarasota, FL; his daughter, Dawn Hansen of Warsaw, MO; his son, Todd (and Lyn) Meyer of Jackson, MN; his daughter, Tara (and Jesus) Lopez of Seward, NE; his grandchildren: Haley (and Nick) Coffey of Superior, NE; Leah (and Kurt) Schnakenberg of Sedalia, MO; Liberty Meyer, Glory Meyer, and Chance Meyer of Jackson, MN; Antonio Lopez and Andres Lopez of Seward, NE; And his great-grandchildren: Lou and Macoy Schnakenberg of Sedalia, MO; and Katherine and Charlotte Coffey of Superior, NE. Cleber will also be missed by his nieces and nephews, his cousins, his many friends and neighbors, and all of his coffee buddies.
Private Graveside Services will be held at Riverside Cemetery - Spencer, Iowa
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be made in Cleber's name. Please send cards and memorials to:
1525 Sayles Drive,
Jackson, MN 56143.
A PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
Pastor Paul Frederiksen
Haley Coffey
Leah Schnakenberg
Liberty Meyer
Glory Meyer
Chance Meyer
Andres Lopez
There will be no public visitation.
Riverside Cemetery
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 3:31 PM
"I worked for Cleber during high school from 1956 to 1958 until I went into the USAF. He was a good mentor and example to the community. I always made it a point to visit Cleber whenever I came back to Spencer. He was a very good boss and a better friend and example, always interested in what I was doing and my family as we aged together. I spent a lot of hours working at Cleber's and enjoyed every one. Cleber was a good businessman and community supporter, I will miss him, Ron Binning"
- Ronald Binning
"I have many treasured memories of Cleber and the service station. As a teen, I frequented the shop for gas and a soda, and my grandpa Tike often sent me their way too. Cleber always had a smile and was so kind to us kids. I'm very sorry for your loss and send my love."
- Heather Gustoff
"One of the kindest gentlemen. Always enjoyed stopping at Clebers for gas."
- Sue Biederman
Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2:28 PM
My sincere sympathy goes out to Marlys, and all the family on the passing of Cleber. What a wonderful kind soul Heaven has gained! Our family (my parents were Oliver and Jo Smith) were friends of Cleber and also did business with him for many years. I believe Dawn played accordion with me also! May God bless you with precious memories! You will be in our prayers in the tough days ahead."
- Charlene Smith Radcliffe
"Todd and family
So sorry to hear about Cleber. He was always friendly and a big smile on his face. Many times I went to the station with my parents or myself on the way to junior high and grab a soda on way to or from school. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family."
"Thinking of you and your family, Marlys. Always enjoyed seeing you both when you came to clinic to see Dr. Creswell. What a nice picture of Cleber! Sending sympathies!"
- DIANNE C BINDER
"While I personally didn't know Cleber, he is forever apart of my childhood memories. He always had a smile, friendly and always provided great service at his station. As a child it was always a treat to get to go to Cleber's. He was one of a kind and an outstanding citizen of Spencer. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. "
- Lori
"Marlys and Family,
We extend our sincere sympathy with the loss of Cleber. We always appreciated the courtesies you folks extended to make us feel welcome at Spencer area events. Cleber truly enjoyed visiting with people. We will treasure good memories of having known him. Bill and Marcie Frevert"
- Bill/Marcie Frevert
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 12:00 PM
"Marlys and Family. What a special gentleman, friend and long time client. So sorry to learn of Cleber's passing. RIP."
- DON PETERS
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 11:46 AM
" Our deepest sympathy to Marlys, Dawn, David, Todd and Tara. Cleber was a wonderful cousin and a very caring man. I will always remember both Marlys and him stopping in for an ice cream cone at Burger King, and it would be close to 2:00, the time I would be getting off of work. Then they wanted me to sit and talk awhile! There was always a lot of laughter, because he kept calling me my oldest sisters name! R.I.P. , we love you."
- Jalane Buhrmann
"Marlys and Family. Thank you for sharing Cleber with the City of Spencer. He was wonderful to work with and a true champion for our City. Sending thoughts of peace. Mike & Theresa Reardon"
- Theresa Reardon
"Dawn & Families, Just learned of your Dad passing.... He was a very special person, knowing him thru the gas station back in my day.. Always willing to help young people like are own fathers.. Loved his smile, always making people feel good on sunny & cloudy days or having a bad working day...
Take care, in my thoughts and prayers.. Love to all....
- Kitty Smith
"Deepest sympathy to Todd and the entire Meyer family. Our thought and prayers are with you all."
- Kevin and Judy Elliott
"Sorry to hear of Clebers passing. I really enjoyed having coffee time with him and his wife. He was a great supporter of Spencer of and a kind man. He is missed"
- Lee and Carol Boltjes
"So sorry to hear about Cleber's passing. When he was in the Good Sam in Jackson we had many good conversations with him and Marlys. Very loveable and kind couple."
- Mary Johannsen
"As a past employee of the City of Spencer, I was fortunate to have worked with Cleber when he was the Mayor. He was great to work with and always had a smile on his face whether at City Hall or his station which we frequented often. We send our prayers to his family."
- Janee Boever
"Don't really know any of the family except Tara and Jesus. Sorry to hear of Cleber's passing and wanted to express our sincere sympathy and let all of you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Terry and Karen"
- Terry Igou
"I have so many fond memories of Clever from childhood to adult. He and Dad were great buddies and I was taught that if you needed anything for your car, go to Clebers! I would love to have service like that again. Clever was a great businessman, mayor and most importantly a nice, kind man. Truly one of a kind. Prayers for the family.
Michelle Brennan Nensel"
- Michelle Brennan Nensel
"Sorry to hear of Clebers passing, did a lot of electrical work for Cleber, business and farm, , always a kind friendly great guy to have
Been acquainted with, my condolences to all of Cleber's family."
- John muetzel
So sorry for your loss!
Cleber was definitely one of the good guys and a big promoter of Spencer, helping to make our community a great place to work, live and raise a family 🥰
You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻
Take care and God Bless ✝️
- Randy and Suzanne Krukow
"Dawn & family—so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. God bless each of you. Nancy Heuck"
- Nancy Heuck
"Marlys and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Cleber's passing. He was indeed a great man. I used to goad him when I worked at the chamber of commerce and gave youngsters tours of our city hall. I'd pack a gaggle of elementary kids into his mayoral office and tell the kids: "This is a very important man in our community. Mr. Meyer is the mayor of the city, and you know what we do to the mayor to show him respect? We SALUTE HIM!" I'd snap my heels together and salute him with the littles following. Cleber (and the teachers) would belly laugh at the sight of the kids in full salute. I did this more times than I can recount, and every time I'd see him in town out and about I'd give him a full 'mayoral' salute. We'd roar with laughter and reminisce about the good old days working together. I really loved that guy. Praying God is your great comfort and peace in the days ahead. Cherish the memories. - Susan (and Tim) Christensen"
"So sorry to hear of Clebers passing. As a little girl I can remember my dad (Gary Arndt) working at Clebers we would go there to visit him or have the car serviced and always seeing Cleber there. He was always so nice he would always tell my sister and I to pick out a candy bar and it was on him... he left a huge impression on me over the yrs because of his kindness and being an all around nice guy... we need more like him here on the earth. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers... may God hold you in the palm of his hands during this difficult time..."
- Tricia Norgaard
"Growing up on the East side of Spencer, you had 2 main "go to" sources on any given day, Mag Johnson's tiny grocery store and Clebers. Both Spencer icons and now unfortunately gone. Cleber was always a very nice man and ran a great business for a very long time. I hope the rest of his Family is doing well at this difficult time. My sincere condolences.
R.I.P. Cleber Meyer"
- Tony Lowe
"A great man and a super boss...Always positive...My condolences to the entire family. God bless you all..m"
- Duane Sorensen
"Marlys, Dawn and families, So sad to learn of Cleber's passsing!! Thoughts and prayers to all! Clebers was always an icon in Spencer and a place where service was rendered in a friendly style no matter what it was you needed!!! "
- Linda Schomaker
Friday, December 4, 2020 at 3:58 PM
"Our condolences for your loss. I started going to clebers right after I moved to Spencer. Always good memories of going there and knowing I would be treated fairly and helped with any issue we had. Small town services where customers were valued and appreciated. God's blessings"
- Bonnie
"Dear Marlys and family, So sorry to hear of Cleber's passing. Lots of good memories and stories from Mike when he worked at the station. Norb and I always enjoyed having coffee with you and Cleber at McDonalds. My prayers are with you. Arlene Wimmer"
- Arlene Wimmer
"I'm very sorry to hear this. Some of the best days of my life were riding my bike to Cleber's to get a cold "pop" and being able to say, "Just put it on Ed Krebs' tab" and walk out. I know change is inevitable, but it's heartbreaking to see good citizens like Cleber leave us. Peace to his family."
- Luke Krebs
"Dear Marlys, Dawn, and families,
We are so saddened to read about the loss of Cleber. He certainly lived a long full life and made a tremendous, positive impression on the Spencer community, from his years with the service station, to his role of leadership as the mayor. He was loved and respected by so many of us. We know that you have many great memories and pray that as you feel God's love, you also will feel peace as you reflect on those memories and the wonderful legacy that Cleber left. You have our deepest sympathy-Tom and Mary Galik"
- Tom Galik
"Sympathy to the family. My husband believed in supporting local and would go to Meyer Oil above other stations. Where else could one buy one wiper blade instead of the pair when often only one was the problem? Going on to pay instead of paying at the pump involved the small chit chat that is part of a fabric of the community. When Cleber became mayor, it so happened Ole Hanson, a couple of mechanics, a customer were sitting around kidding Ckeber. One said, "If you are mayor, what does that make us, councilmen?" Everyone laughed. I can remember another funny time. Then, in later years, we would see Cleber and his wife at Hardee's where they had a favorite seating area. He always greeted us in friendly fashion. Hard times right now for all, but very hard to lose family members now. Again, sympathy to family. "
- Jan Myers
"Meyer family, so sorry to hear of Cleber passing away, he was a very nice man and always had a good word or two to talk with you at anytime, he will be missed but not forgotten... deepest sympathies from our family to you....R.I.P. Cleber..."
- Rhonda & Steve (goobe) Essick