La Mont J. Meerdink, 86, of Cherrywood Court, Sheboygan, a lifelong Christian and educator, left planet earth for the heavenly galaxy and into the arms of the Lord on May 30, 2013. He was born on May 26, 1927 in the farm house near the Onion River bridge on Highway 32 south of Gibbsville, the son of George and Joy Mentink Meerdink. La Mont graduated from Oostburg High School. After serving two years in the United States Regular Army at head quarters, American Occupational Forces, Vienna, Austria as General Mark Clark's driver, he was honorably discharged and enrolled at the Sheboygan County Teachers College. In 1949 La Mont married Sally Mae Liethen. Sally died on September 7, 2000. The family survivors include their four children, Julie Nowatske of Oshkosh, Lincoln Meerdink of Sheboygan, Pamela (George) Reed of Sheboygan and Jennifer (Steve) Hermann, of Sheboygan. Also six grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and a very, very dear friend and companion, Joyce Klusmeier for the past 12 years. La Mont began his 40 year education career at the Pigeon River Elementary School. He gained his Bachelor's Degree from Wisconsin University, Oshkosh and his Master's Degree in Educational Administration from the Wisconsin University, Milwaukee. He taught sixth and seventh grades at Pigeon River for 10 years, followed by 15 years serving as its Principal. Multiple assignments included service at Lincoln-Erdman, Jefferson and Washington Elementary Schools. La Mont retired in 1986. Throughout his career he enjoyed visits with former students and teachers which developed into many lifelong friendships. He took great joy in his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren going RV camping and special excursions. Holidays were all very special. La Mont followed football very closely, loved playing golf and bowling. After retirement, travel was at the top of his list. He was a member of the American Legion Post 83, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9156, Sheboygan Elk's Lodge 299 and the Elks National Foundation, County Retired Teachers and a charter member of the W.W.II Memorial in Washington D.C. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 1248 Lincoln Avenue, with Rev. Gregory Whelton officiating. Entombment will take place in the Calvary Mausoleum with Military Honors. A time of visitation and support will be held at the Lippert-Olson Funeral Home, 1132 Superior Avenue on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. with the Elk's Lodge 299 Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials in his name may be directed to St. John's United Church of Christ or the V.F.W. Post 9156, Sheboygan. Heartfelt thanks to the many doctors and staff at St. Nicholas Hopsital who attended to La Mont and his family with extreme skill, care and compassion. The Lippert-Olson Funeral Home has been entrusted with La Mont's arrangements.
