David L. Meier

David L Meier, a man who never met a stranger and somehow made everyone feel like an old friend, passed away on April 2, 2026 after a brief battle with leukemia. His warmth, easy going nature, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Born on April 9, 1959, in Madison, Wisconsin, to James and Mary (West) Meier, Dave grew up in Oregon, where he learned early on how to work hard, laugh often, and look out for others. He graduated from Oregon High School.

On October 20, 1979, Dave made what he would proudly tell anyone was the best decision he ever made: marrying Julie Wachter. Together, they built nearly 47 years of marriage filled with laughter, partnership, and the kind of steady love that quietly holds everything together. They raised two daughters who carry forward his humor, his kindness, and his ability to make people feel seen and cared for.

Dave had a gift—not for telling the loudest story in the room, but for making the room feel lighter just by being in it. He showed up. He listened. He remembered the little things. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone he had just met, Dave had a way of making you feel like you mattered. His generosity wasn’t flashy; it was constant. It showed up in helping hands, shared time, and the countless small acts that added up to a life well lived.

After retiring from Vortex Optics, Dave devoted himself to what he valued most: being present with the people he cared about. The family cabin became more than a retreat—it was a place where people felt at home, where conversations stretched long into the evening, and where laughter came easily. His greatest joy, though, was his grandchildren. He showed up for them in every way—at school event and on the sidelines of their games. Always offering steady encouragement in everything his grandchildren pursued.

He leaves behind a legacy of perfectly timed jokes, quiet wisdom, and a deep well of kindness that will continue to ripple through everyone who knew him. His absence will be felt in everyday moments—the empty chair, the missing voice in a conversation, the space where his steady presence used to be—but so will his influence, in the way his family and friends carry his spirit forward.

Dave is survived by his wife, Julie; his two daughters; Kim (Brian) Allen, and Ashley (Chad) Alford; and five grandchildren Meara, Matt, Macoy, Addison, and Kennedy. He is further survived by his sister Diane (Mike) Anderson, brothers James Meier and John (Denise) Meier, mother-in-law Mardelle Brown, father-in-law James Wachter, brother-in-law Dan (Michelle) Wachter, sister-in-law Lisa (Dennis) Nolden, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents James & Mary, David Brown, and Patricia Schneider.

In honor of Dave, take a little extra time with the people you love. Tell a joke—even a bad one. Lend a hand. Make someone feel welcome. That’s the kind of legacy he leaves behind—and the kind that lasts.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.

The family would like to sincerely thank the dedicated teams at the UW Carbone Cancer Center, and the UW Hospital B6/6 and TLC for their outstanding care. Their professionalism, compassion, and support helped bring comfort and dignity to Dave, and peace of mind to his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the UW Carbone Cancer Center, Belleville Area EMS, or the Belleville Fire Department. In Dave’s honor, the family encourages you to consider donating blood or signing up to be a bone marrow donor.