Obituary: Ross William Meader

Aug. 6, 1950 – Aug. 22, 2019 

Ross Meader, 69, died peacefully at his home on Washington Island.

Ross was born in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of Daniel and Clarice (Hagen) Meader. He was a graduate of William Horlick High School, Class of 1969, and graduated from Carthage College with a BA in physical education. Ross began his teaching career with the Racine Unified School District. He then earned two master’s degrees in education administration and guidance counseling and remained a guidance counselor in the same district. He retired after 34 years in education, the profession he loved. He was very passionate about helping the youth he taught and made several school trips to Washington Island, offering experiences they would not otherwise have had, to the place he loved his entire life.

Ross married his soulmate in 1973, and they spent their summers on Washington Island and then retired there in 2007. Ross served 10 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Washington Island Fire Department; he was a member of the Lions Club and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a lifetime member of the Sportsman’s Club. He spent his free time with his family and friends, going on boat cruises and bass and walleye fishing. He was an avid pheasant, turkey and deer hunter.

Ross is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Cathy Meader (Bohm). They had two children, Garrett and Katie (Brown) Meader, and Kiersten and Eric Spinn. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kennedy and Gage Meader and Bryce Spinn; siblings, Chris Meader, Kim and Katie (Kidder) Meader, Pam and Rick (Bonanno); along with several nieces and nephews.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Clarice; in-laws, Robert and Martha Bohm; and nephew, Anders Meader.

Ross was an amazing person who could always make people laugh and put a smile on their face. He was always lifting people up and helping in any way possible. He was warm-hearted and generous with his love. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he knew and loved as well as those to come.

A funeral service to honor Ross’s life will be held Thursday, Aug. 29, 11 am, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on Washington Island. A luncheon will follow.

Visitation will precede, 9-11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Sportsman’s Club, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Washington Island Fire Department.

Services for Racine friends and family will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, 1700 S. Green Bay Road in Racine, 262.634.6669. Friends may call at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church Sept. 3, from 3 pm until the time of the service at 6 pm. A reception will follow at the church.

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the Meader family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Ross can be shared through his tribute page at caspersonfuneralhome.com.

Donations may be made to:

Washington Island Sportsman and Conservation Club, Inc.
P.O. Box 100, Washington Island, WI 54246

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
1763 Town Line Road, Washington Island, WI 54246
Tel: 920.847.2341
Web: trinitylutheran-wi.com

Washington Island Fire Department
910 Main Road, Washington Island, WI 54246
Tel: 920.847.2355