George Meirick

It is with great sadness that the family of George Wayne Meirick of White Bear Lake, MN, announce his peaceful passing on December 25, 2020, at the age of 84 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, George managed his illness with strength and grace and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife and his daughters, who he adored more than anything else in the world. George was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Geraldine Meirick and his sister Darlene Vogel. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Caroline (Speltz) Meirick, his sisters Barbara Tolzman, Kathy (Chuck) Waldo and brother Tom Meirick; his Daughters, Judy (Ron) Calzolari, Mary Beth (Steve) Gentner, Sara (Ed) Staiert, Angela (Michael) Lewis, Teresa (Shannon) Nitsch, and Molly (Brian) Franta; his 15 Grandchildren; Ronnie, Joey, Nicky, Megan, Tim, Dionne (Eric), Sadie, Allison (Corey), Matthew (Bailey), Conor, Benjamin (Elizabeth), Andrew, Samuel, Elaine and Abigail; 4 Great-Grandchildren; Archer, Ethan, Elliot, and Emily; and many nieces, nephews and loving family and friends. George was born in St Paul, MN. He attended St Peter’s Catholic school, then moved to a farm in St Croix, WI, and returned to graduate from North St Paul High School. He graduated from St Thomas College and continued his education for social work administration at the University of Chicago. He also served in the Reserve of the United States Air Force National Guard. George was passionate about caring for the poor, vulnerable and sick in his communities. George blessed many with his gentle, kind and compassionate spirit. In addition to his 26 year career with Catholtic Charities, he was instrumental in the startup of the Dorothy Day Center in Minneapolis, MN, the Place of Grace in La Crosse, WI, and Minnesota Concerned Citizens for Life. Over the years George spent countless hours serving the Catholic Church as a parish council member, acting as a Eucharistic Minister and as an affiliate of the Fransican Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in La Crosse, WI, which led him to a two year service mission in David, KY. Some of his favorite past times included golfing, tennis, cribbage, playing games, camping, reading and supporting the MN Twins and Vikings. George lived a full life. Like he always said “How did I get to be so lucky?”. But really, his family and friends would say that they were the lucky ones. George's family will be having a private Mass at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and burial at St. Mary of the Lake cemetery in White Bear Lake. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St Mary of the Lake Haiti Relief Fund and Catholic Charities Dorothy Day Center. George's Mass can be viewed via livestream through St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church YouTube page or via the link below. Mass will be live at 11 AM on Thursday, December 31, 2020 for guests to join virtually. LIVESTREAM LINK: https://youtu.be/nn50as9y2QU