Verne Meyer Obituary

Dr. Verne Allyn Meyer, age 78 of Sioux Center, Iowa died on August 13, 2024, at Crown Pointe Estates Care Facility in Sioux Center.

Verne was born on November 20, 1945, to Leo and Martha (Ulferts) Meyer in Willmar, MN. The fourth of six children. Verne grew up on a farm near Bunde, MN., spending as much time as possible outside—fishing, playing softball, riding horse, and helping with the farm work. At age 15 Verne was in a serious auto accident, resulting in long-term hospitalization and partial permanent paralysis. Due to his determined nature, this disability did little to hold him back.

After attending grades 1-12 at Central Minnesota Christian Schools in Prinsburg, MN, Verne attended Dordt College and then graduated from Calvin College with a B.A. in English and speech. He later earned an M.A. degree in English and theatre from Marquette University and a Ph.D in theatre from the University of Minnesota. While a student at Dordt, Verne met Gerlene Van Gorp, a Dutch girl. She was one of many students roped into Verne’s scheme to stuff as many students as possible into his ’54 Plymouth. Soon after, Verne dubbed her “Gidge” and they were married at Calvary CRC in Pella, IA, in 1966. Later two sons, Nathaniel and Ben were born and made them a family of four.

Verne loved teaching. He was the consummate educator. For him, the classroom was a stage to inform, argue, and entertain. He taught English and theatre at high schools in Elk Rapids, MI. Union Grove, WI, and at Dordt College in Sioux Center.

Verne loved theatre. He directed plays not only during the school year but also in the summers when he would take the Dordt Repertory Theatre groups on tours throughout the U.S. and Canada. While teaching, he directed everything from Romeo and Juliet to musicals such as Fiddler On the Roof and The Music Man. However, his favorite production was Purpaleanie, from the poetry anthology Purpaleanie and Other Permutations, written by Sietze Buning (Stan Wiersma).

Verne loved the written word. While teaching in Wisconsin, he and a fellow collegue decided to create an English handbook for their students, which they named The Four Year Sentence.. This handbook evolved into the Write Source Publishing Company, which produced writing handbooks for children through adults. Verne also co-authored and edited a series of writing books for companies such as; Houghton Mifflin, Harcourt Brace, and Cengage. He spoke at conferences and led workshops on writing in schools and businesses across North America. 

Verne dearly loved his grandchildren and family. He enjoyed taking them on wild boat rides at Lake Okoboji, attending their activities and playing games with them. “The Mechanical Man” was often a favorite game he also played with his nieces and nephews. He had his own version of “Who, What, When, and Where” which he learned from his Grandma Bessie Ulferts and passed on to extended family and friends.

Verne loved to serve. His greatest investment was in the M-2 Prison Ministry Program in the South Dakota State Penitentiary. Once a month, for nearly 35 years, he faithfully visited his incarcerated M-2 friend. Verne also served as a youth mentor and council member at Racine CRC, WI, and Covenant CRC in Sioux Center, and he volunteered his time building Christian Schools in Haiti.

Preceding Verne in death were his parents and brother Duane (Betty) Meyer. Left to celebrate his life are his wife Gidge; his children Nathaniel (Susan) Meyer of Spencer, IA.; Ben (Christine Turpin) Meyer of Marysville, WA; grandchildren Ezra (Morgan), Elijah, Jack, Gabe, Zachary (Maggie); two great grandchildren Juanito and Angel Waykan Meyer. Verne is survived by two brothers: Galen (Thelma); Victor (Dee) and two sisters: Eunice (James, deceased) Vanderlaan; Rozanne (George) Bruins, as well as several in laws, nephews, and nieces.

A celebration of life service will take place at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Covenant Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with Rev. Galen H. Meyer and Rev. Rozanne Meyer Bruins, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

A visitation will take place prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:45 PM at the church.

Memorials are preferred to: Sioux Center Health Therapy Center, M-2 Prison Ministry of South Dakota, or Resonate Global Mission .