Denise Hale Meyer

Denise Hale Brundage Meyer, 83, died Dec. 16, 2021 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Born to Laura and Louis Brundage on Nov. 8, 1938 in Glasgow, Mont., Denise was the eldest of four siblings. With her father's position in the Corp of Engineers, the family moved often, but eventually settled in Riverdale, N.D., a place she held dear to her heart for the rest of her life. Riverdale was where she made lifelong friends, met her husband Fred, and enjoyed pursuing her love of writing, singing and making fond memories. She often recounted tales of her time writing articles for the school paper, singing in the school choir, and working at the local drugstore making milkshakes for her friends.

Denise attended University of North Dakota, was active in sorority life at Alpha Phi, and excelled in education. Her contribution to the University continued after marrying Fred in 1959, and she later became a resident manager of both Bek and Davis Hall. In 1962, Denise and Fred welcomed their son Michael, and later their daughter Betsy in 1969. Denise was active in the educational lives of her children, loved quilting and painting, and participating in the church choir at Wesley United Methodist Church. In 1980, Denise and the family moved to Elkhart, Ind., where she flourished in the community, continued painting and quilting, joined numerous clubs, and became an integral part of St. John's United Church of Christ. Denise and Fred eventually returned to Grand Forks where they retired, to be closer to family.

An avid reader and writer, Denise was known to rent a dozen books at a time from the local library and finish them within the week. She was a published poet and creative inspiration to her family, patient and kind. She was her family's guiding light and she will be missed dearly.

Denise is survived by her brother, William Brundage (Lori); son, Michael Meyer (Kaye Lynn); daughter, Betsy Meyer; Darrel Bina; grandchildren, Bianca Bina, Tony Meyer (Brittany Blake), Daniel Meyer, Alyssa Nies (Isaac), Haley Kwiatkoski (Zak), Ben Bina, Noah Bina and Lily Meyer. She is also survived by great-grandchildren, Blakely Meyer, Mickey Meyer, Jack Kwiatkoski, Caine Nies, Carter Nies and Luka Nies.

Denise is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Meyer; parents, Laura and Louis Brundage; sister, Diane Schlosser (Bill); brother, Ben Brundage; and grandson, Joshua Meyer.

A private burial will take place June 27 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks.