ROCHESTER – Harold Erwin Meiser, 91, of Rochester passed away at 3:40 a.m. Sept. 30, at Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester, where he had been a patient for a month. He was born on Dec. 28, 1921, in Indianapolis, a treasured son of Joseph Sr. and Jennie E. Engel Meiser. On Oct. 11, 1946, in Fulton County, he married the love of his life who later became his best friend, Miss Mildred “Millie” Mathews, who preceded him in death Oct. 23, 2008. They enjoyed over 62 years of life’s adventures. Together they raised four sons Bruce, Tom, Max and Mark. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of eight grandchildren. As one of five children, he shared his childhood with two sisters, Dorothy and Helen, and two brothers, Joe and Charles. In May of 1941, with great Hickory pride, he graduated with his class from Talma High School. Patriotism beckoned, and he answered the call, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. He began training in Vernon, Texas, at the pilot flight school. On Feb. 8, 1944, he earned his pilot’s wings at Altus, Okla. A member of the 546th Bomb Squadron, 99th Bomb Group 15th Air Force, he flew numerous missions positioned as a co-pilot on the B-17 Flying Fortress. This aircraft carried over 20,000 pounds of bombs. The crew wore oxygen masks and insulated suits due to the altitudes flown in the non-pressurized cabin. It’s been said that the greatest influence on the outcome of World War II was the effects and dominance of the B-17 and B-24 aircraft and their courageous crew members. On Thanksgiving day of 1944, his B-17 was shot down, disintegrating in mid-air over Austria. Four crew members perished while he and three crew members were left to evade the enemy for about four days. The German’s captured him and took him as a prisoner of war. He spent the next six months in the POW camp being conveyed minute rations for sustenance. On May 25, 1945, the Russians liberated him, gaining his release from Nazi Prison camp, Stalag Luft #1 near Barth, Germany. Highly decorated for his courage and bravery, he was awarded with European, African and Middle Eastern Theatre ribbons, five bronze stars, a purple heart and the Air Medal for “meritorious achievement in aerial flight while participating in sustained operational activities against the enemy”. His participation included the battles of North and South France, Rome, Arno, Rhineland and Air Combat in the Balkans. As an entrepreneur, Harold collaborated with brother Joe and improved and forever changed the landscape of the western shore of Lake Manitou. Harold and Joe created and developed the channels allowing more families to enjoy lake access and the solitude and serenity of the lake. Another development he created is the Meiser Trailer Court situated on the shores of the Tippecanoe River, northeast of Rochester on Ind. 25. He and his brother also owned and operated a gravel pit near Logansport for a number of years following the war. Although he exclaimed, “My biggest hobby is work,” he did occasionally take time to bowl on the men’s leagues at Quick's Lanes. As a young man he enjoyed fly fishing on the lake. Watching the sunset over the glistening waters with Millie as they tooled around the lake on an evening cruise held many special memories. A highly competitive croquet player, with great finesse, he held his family and friends to the heat. He and Millie enjoyed euchre and dominos. The day was never complete without keeping up on the latest and being locked on Fox News. He is lovingly remembered by four sons: Bruce (and spouse Jill) Meiser, Mishawaka; Tom (and spouse Sue) Meiser, Fort Wayne; Max (and spouse Kathy) Meiser, Carmel; and Mark Meiser, Louisville, Ky.; eight grandchildren: Kimberli, Kristine, Amber, Erica, Bradley Meiser, Josh Barker, Erik Barker and Justin Amber; and a sister, Dorothy McPherson, Monument, Colo. Preceding him in death are his parents, beloved wife Millie, a sister, Helen Cox, and two brothers, Joseph Meiser Jr. and Charles Meiser who passed away at age 22 following an illness. Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Pastor Phil Pratt officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the U.S. Air Force Honor’s Team from Wright-Patterson AFB. Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Calling will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. ***** Memorials to the Kidney Foundation and the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent via www.goodfamilyfh.com
