Mary Ellen (Duensing) Meier

Mary Ellen Meier, age 101, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

She was born on January 13, 1924, in Washington, Iowa, to Arthur and Lillie Duensing. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Donald Meier, and her brother, Lloyd Duensing. She is survived by her daughters Susan Rusk (Norm), Linda Messick (Jimmy), and Mary Meier; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Harry Douglas (Pam); and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics and worked as a textile analyst with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. She married Don Meier in 1948 and devoted much of her life to raising her family, serving her community, and sharing her many talents.

A founding member of Orchard Hill Church, Mary Ellen remained active in her faith throughout her life. She served as a church elder, an officer in the Women's Guild, and a leader in Cedar Falls Church Women United. She also enjoyed her involvement with the Iowa State Alumni Club.

Mary Ellen was an exceptional seamstress, making most of her daughters' clothes and coats, and even a suit or two for Don. In her early 60s, she discovered a love for quilting, creating beautiful quilts for her family as well as for organizations in need. She also shared her gifts by teaching children and adults to sew, quilt, knit, and bake.

She loved traveling with her family across the United States, especially on several memorable cruises to Alaska. A lifelong reader, she often had a book close at hand and also enjoyed live theater productions. Mary Ellen found joy in nature, especially in the wide variety of birds that visited her backyard feeders. Notes from her well-worn bird book show her delight in their visits. Her home was always shared with a cat (or two or three), who often kept her company while she worked on jigsaw puzzles.

She gave generously of her time as a volunteer, supporting her daughters in Girl Scouts and Blue Birds, volunteering at a child development center in Waterloo, and lending a hand wherever she was needed.

Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all those who cared for Mom during her final months and days. Your kindness, compassion, and support meant more than words can express. Whether you offered medical care, emotional comfort, a helping hand, or simply your presence—please know that your care brought peace and dignity to her final journey. We are forever grateful.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held in the Glen Arbor 2nd Floor Lounge at NewAldaya Lifescapes, 7511 University Avenue, Cedar Falls, on Monday, October 20, from 1:00-3:00pm.

Mary Ellen loved flowers, but what she loved even more was helping others. Instead of sending flowers, she asked that we remember her by donating to the Cedar Bend Humane Society and to Orchard Hill Church , which meant so much to her and was such an important part of her journey with Jesus.