Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MEYER, Cletus
MEYER, Cletus. (Dubuque, IA, Dec. 17, 1933--Dubuque, IA, Sept. 5, 2021). The son of Eldine “Ole” Meyer and Helen (McGinnis) Meyer, Cletus married Rose Mary Shea in 1954 at Camp Gordon, Georgia, U.S. Army Post.
Cletus was raised in Dubuque by many loving relatives and extended family members whom he treasured his entire life. 'Teets' grandmother, Ruth, and his aunts and uncles Ruth (McGinnis) Goedken, Leo “Noopie” McGinnis, Cletus “Dean” McGinnis, Olive “Mick” (McGinnis) Duggan, Mary Jane “Pits” (McGinnis) Murphy all played a role in raising him. Nicknames were a beloved part of the family tradition.
Cletus graduated from LORAS ACADEMY in 1952. Following high school, he went to work at the DUBUQUE PACKING COMPANY. This is where he met Rose who was working as an industrial nurse. He entered the U.S. Army in 1954 and served through 1956. When he returned from the Army, he attended LORAS COLLEGE on the GI Bill and received a bachelor’s degree in 1960. (1)
Cletus began his long association with the DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB in 1957 as a coach and supervisor of the games room. He moved into the position of program director in 1960 before assuming the executive director's assignment which he held from 1961-1996. In 1967 Meyer was able to secure property on both sides of West 13th Street for a new building to replace the former facility at Ninth and Iowa STREETS that had been demolished for urban renewal. The city agreed to close the street and the present building was built across the lots. Meyer's participation in the facility included fund-raising, working out dues for those unable to pay the entire amount, and acting as final judge in disputes that arose during activities at the club. (2)
Those 35 years of service to the Dubuque community were treasured years for him. His nurturing and guidance to thousands of young men and their families touched countless lives. He served as a father figure to many special young men, many of whom he enjoyed a lifelong relationship. He always said that if he could make a difference in just one boy’s life, it was all worthwhile. He was truly a treasure to the Dubuque community. He was so proud when his son, Brian Meyer, took over as Executive Director at “the Club” upon his retirement. (3)
Apart from his professional life, Cletus was known for his athleticism, especially fast pitch softball. He played nearly three decades of fast pitch softball for a variety of successful teams throughout Dubuque. He was inducted into the DUBUQUE FAST PITCH HALL OF FAME in 2008.
'Teets' was a loving and dedicated husband and father. His kids, grandkids, and great- grandkids were his pride and joy. His love for his grandchildren was extraordinary. He supported them all and talked to anyone who would listen to him boast about them. They were all exceptional to him. Family meant everything to Teets, and he cherished his relationship with his own four children. He instilled in each of them the value for love of family and a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He especially cherished the years when his grandson, Mike Meyers, played place-kicker for the Iowa Hawkeyes. (4) Family gatherings provided the greatest moments of joy throughout his lifetime. (5)
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Source:
1. "Cletus Meyer," Obituaries, Telegraph Herald, Sept. 7, 2021, p. 12A
2. Bielema, Ross,"Meyer's Soft Voice, Firm Hand Guide Boys," Telegraph Herald, January 4, 1988, p. 3
3. Montgomery, Jeff, "Meyer's Legacy Lives on in Boys' and Girls' Club," Telegraph Herald, September 9, 2021 p. 1
4. Ibid.
5. "Cletus Meyer..."
