Obituary of Joan Dorothy Meyer

Joan "Joni" Meyer, 90, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Colorado Springs.

She was born November 4, 1932, to Rev. Karl J. and Adelia Plocher in Litchfield, Minnesota. Joni graduated from Litchfield High School. While working in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she met her future husband, Raymond "Ray" Meyer, who was attending the University of Minnesota. They celebrated 70 years of marriage on April 26, 2023.

Joni enjoyed singing in the church choir as well as the Sweet Adelines barbershop chorus. She was involved in numerous church ministries at St Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota and most recently at Family of Christ Lutheran in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Joni spent years sewing costumes, clothing and other items for community organizations, friends, and family members. Her cookies and baked goods were always welcome treats. Joni also enjoyed traveling with Ray as they traveled to 49 states, Canada, Columbia, Germany, Israel, and Egypt. 

Joni is remembered for her strong, fighting spirit through many illnesses. Overcoming polio as a young teenager and being affected by post-polio syndrome as an adult, Joni often had a smile to share with others to brighten their day.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Karl J. and Adelia Plocher; as well as her brother Karl M. Plocher. 

Joni is survived by her husband Raymond Meyer; her son Paul and wife Ewa Ratajczak Meyer; daughter Susan Meyer, and daughter Gail and husband Tim Rohlfing. Joni is also survived by her five granddaughters and their spouses: Holly and Chad Johnson, Lindsay and Scott Peterson, Stephanie and Matt Beebe, Anna and Jesse Tucker, Kelsey and Benjamin Barton; as well as her seven great-grandchildren: Kayla, Davis, Beck, Flora, Rebekah, Hope, and Juliet. Joni is also survived by her sister, Leila Strickholm and her brother, David Plocher; as well as many loving cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to Post-Polio Health International, at post-polio.org. Funds go to education, advocacy, networking, support, and research of late effects of polio.

Memorial Celebration, 11:00AM, Monday, June 12, 2023, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921.