John George Meinema's Obituary
John George Meinema
John George Meinema went home to the Lord on June 20, 2012 after battling heart problems for over a year. He was at the Fir Lane Care Center in Shelton, Washington at the time of his death. John Meinema was born May 7, 1947 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Tacoma, Washington, to Abner Johnson Meinema and Vera Geneva (Black) Meinema. Until age 18, he lived with his parents and brother Charles on McNeil Island while his father worked at the McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary. Following graduation from Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington, John lived most of his life in Tacoma, Washington. He attended Tacoma Community College (A.A.) and then Central Washington University where he obtained a bachelor's and then a master's degree in History. John worked at Buffelen Workworking on the Tideflats for a few years between college degrees. He lived in Tacoma / Pierce County most of his life, but had many friends in the Yakima Valley area from his immediate post college years. After college, John tutored many people in history while continuing to educate himself all in life in a variety of topics: ancient history, current world events, astronomy, military history, the space program, politics, ancient agriculture and engineering - in short, he was interested in pretty much everything. His other interests included hunting, fishing, camping, science fiction, and his pet cats. His friends will remember him as a kind person of good nature, who loved animals and was very generous. John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother Charles (Debra) Meinema of Roy, and his niece Morgan, of Pullman, Washington. John Meinema often said his goal was modest - to leave the world a better place for his having lived here. John, you met your goal; the world IS a better place for your presence. You will be missed. There will be a memorial service for friends and family at Mountain View Funeral Home on Saturday, June 30, at 1:00 p.m. in the Garden Chapel.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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