John M. Meitner

John Michael Meitner, age 86, passed away on May 8, 2026. Born on November 6, 1939, John was the son of Harvey E. Meitner and Pearl Flood Meitner. He attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and graduated from Waterloo High School in 1957. John continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville in 1958 and 1959, returning after his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Comprehensive Agriculture Education in 1964.

In November of 1959, John married Lenore Robertson, and together they raised five children: Rebecca “Becky” Meitner, Michael Meitner, Brian (Kim) Meitner, Deborah “Deb” (Blair) Pierce, and Colleen (Fred) Kleinschmidt. While John lived a full and accomplished life, nothing brought him greater joy than his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were truly the center of his world. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, whether attending sporting events, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying everyday moments together.

John was blessed with grandchildren: Sarah Snow (Tony) Miggins, Mallory Birkrem, Marcus Pierce, Nathan (Stephanie) Kleinschmidt, Kristina (Trevor) Kieckhefer, Spencer Kleinschmidt, Brian Joseph II “BJ” Meitner, Zachary Meitner, Meghan Meitner, and Cooper Meitner; and great-grandchildren: Kenyon Miggins, Jaylen Miggins, Devyn Miggins, Nora Kleinschmidt, Hadley Kleinschmidt, and Noah Meitner — all of whom brought immense pride and happiness to his life.

John faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963. He completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and later attended B-52 Bomb Navigation School in Denver, Colorado. Following graduation, he retrained as an Air Weather Equipment Repair Technician at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, before serving at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. In 1962, John became an Electronics Instructor with the Air Training Command at Chanute AFB, where he taught both new Airmen recruits and Non-Commissioned Officers in the Fundamentals of Electronics program. He instructed the first class of Minuteman Missile NCOs and was awarded the Minuteman Missile Badge. John was honorably discharged in 1963.

A lifelong marksman, John achieved numerous honors throughout his shooting career. He qualified as an NRA Expert Junior Rifleman and ranked 8th in the nation in an NRA VFW Postal Match for Junior Riflemen. As a member of the Chanute AFB Rifle Team, he competed in numerous tournaments and Olympic trials at Lackland Air Force Base, ultimately achieving the NRA “Master” classification. In June 1963, he was awarded the Certificate of National Rifle Record by the National Rifle Association.

John dedicated much of his life to public service and community involvement. He was a longtime member of the National Rifle Association, Waterloo Gun Club, American Legion Post 233, Forty and Eight, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Within the American Legion, he served as Commander from 1984–1987, Post Adjutant from 1987–2004, Wisconsin State Membership Chairman in 1987, and Jefferson County Commander in 1988 and 1989. He also served as President of the UW–Platteville Veterans Club in 1964 and was the organization’s founding president. John was active in many civic organizations, including the Waterloo School Board, Waterloo Library Board, Board of Review, City of Waterloo Planning Commission, Greenfield Township, and Sauk County.

Music was another lifelong passion. John played the bass horn with various orchestras, dance bands, and small musical groups over the years.

Professionally, John worked for American Family Insurance, Oscar Mayer, and Funk Seed International before opening his own insurance agency in Waterloo as an agent with Farmers Insurance Group. After many successful years in the insurance industry, he later became an Independent Agent.

In retirement, John found joy in gardening, building projects in his workshop, and creating a beautiful pond and yard that reflected his care and craftsmanship.

John is survived by his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; his partner of 31 years, Sharon Pittman; brother Sean (Claudia); sisters Mary (Jeff) McBride and Jean (Blaine Mosher); along with many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him.

Dear Dad/Grandpa, “Thank you for the laughter, the stories, and the unforgettable antics that brought so much joy to our lives. Thank you for always being there when we needed you, for your steady support, and for the love you showed our family every day. We will cherish those memories forever and continue sharing your stories for years to come.”