Dennis Ellsworth Meyers

Dennis E. Meyers, 90, went home to be with the Lord on August 20, 2010. He was born at rural Thompson, ND on September 25, 1919 to William and Ida (Westman) Meyers. Dennis was educated in the Thompson area and worked on the family farm until he enlisted into the Army in October, 1941 at Camp Walters, TX. He had just finished basic training when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. He was immediately sent to Fort Lewis, WA, and assigned to the 41st infantry division. He became 1st gunner in the 186th anti-tank company. They were sent to Australia to join Gen. MacArthur's Special Forces group. They were the very first unit to encounter the Japanese after war was declared on them, striking them on the island of New Guinea. While fighting one of the most decorated divisions of the Pacific, they were the first to recapture the Philippine Islands. He was in two major battles plus numerous skirmishes. Dennis proudly served his country, earning several decorations. He fell ill with Malaria three times. He received honorable discharge October, 1945, after the Allies defeated Germany and Japan. Dennis returned to the family farm and farmed with his father until he married Margaret Lyste on October 19, 1947. They had 4 daughters, Marsha, Cheryl, Carlotta and Valerie. Dennis farmed for 3 years before being hired on as farm manager for Alsaker Farms which had a large potato warehouse that stored, grated and packaged potatoes and also raised small grains. He worked there for 14 years. When his father died, he resigned from his job and took over the family farm. He farmed the home place for 23 years. He took on the job of foreman at Hatton Potato for Omlid-Lazur brothers and Glenn Hoff, staying with them until his retirement. Margaret died October 27, 1985. Dennis re-married Edith Altepeter September 26, 1987. Dennis was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Before his failing health, he and Edith enjoyed going out for morning coffee with their friends. Dennis is survived by his wife, Edith; 4 daughters, Marsha Holweger of Northwood, Cheryl (Tony Braunagel) Strande of Devils Lake, Carlotta Lundberg of Portland, ND, and Valerie (Jay) Norris of Fargo; 2 step-daughters, Yvonne (J.R.) Polhemus and Janet (Terry) Morgan; 9 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Durwood and Aloys. What meant the most to Dennis was his Lord Jesus Christ, his family and his country. He will be missed by his loving family, but what a great Christian legacy he left them. FUNERAL SERVICES: Monday, August 23, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at Valley Christian Center 3920 Cherry St. in Grand Forks. VISITATION: Family will greet friends Sunday, August 22, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a 7pm prayer service at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will continue for the hour prior to the funeral service at the church. INTERMENT: Monday, August 23, at 2:15 p.m. gravetime at St. John's Cemetery in Hatton. MILITARY HONORS: N.D. Army National Guard Military Funeral Honors and Carroll O. Flesche Legion Post #70.