Neal Meitler
July 22, 1938 – September 8, 2026
Neal Meitler, age 88, went home to be with Jesus on September 8, 2026, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
A life of purpose and eternal value is more than a list of accomplishments or a collection of good memories. It is a life spent doing the things God made you for and called you to do. Neal lived out that purpose in very practical ways. Sometimes it meant listening to someone, asking a hard question, thinking through a problem, making a heavy moment a little lighter, or simply offering encouragement when it was needed.
Neal was born to Armin and Norma Meitler on their family farm near Lucas, Kansas, on July 22, 1938. He loved the farm and grew up surrounded by family, attending a one-room schoolhouse in his early years. It was a time when things such as indoor plumbing, the telephone, and a washing machine were still relatively new additions to life on the farm. His life there, along with his upbringing in a Lutheran home, helped shape the faith, values, work ethic, and sense of service he carried throughout his life.
Neal graduated from Kansas State University in 1960 and continued his studies in finance and business administration at the University of Nebraska. While working as the night manager at the student union, he met Carol. It was love at first sight. They were married on August 10, 1963, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.
Early in his career, Neal worked for Chevrolet Engineering in Warren, Michigan, and later for AC Sparkplug in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Neal and Carol settled in Greendale, Wisconsin, where they lived for 24 years and raised their two sons, Alan and Paul. In time, their family grew to include six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The faith and values Neal received from the generations before him became part of what he sought to pass faithfully to the generations that followed.
After working for Anderson Roethle for several years, Neal started his own consulting firm, Meitler Consultants. For nearly 40 years, he worked with churches, schools, and ministries across the country, helping their leaders think through important decisions and plan for the future. His work touched hundreds of ministries and the people they served.
Faith and service were part of Neal’s everyday life. Over the years, he was active in the Christian business community and involved with Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Oakwood Church, Community Warehouse, Milwaukee Working, and other Christian ministries. He served as an elder, board member, missions committee member, adviser, gardener, painter, and in many other roles. If something needed to be done, Neal was willing to help.
Christian missions held a particularly important place in Neal’s heart. He led short-term mission teams, served on mission boards, gave generously to mission causes, and encouraged missionaries in their work.
One of the most significant ministries of Neal’s life was the Open Door. For 24 years, every Tuesday night at 7:30, people gathered in Neal and Carol’s home in Greendale. Young people and adults of all ages came to share what was happening in their lives, learn to pray, study the Bible, build friendships, and grow in their faith. Neal wanted people to know Jesus and become connected with a local church where their faith could continue to grow in community.
In 1996, Neal and Carol built their home in Wales, Wisconsin, where they would spend the next 30 years. Retirement, however, did not mean withdrawing from ministry. Their home became another open door. Missionaries, Bible school students, friends, and people going through transitions in life found a place there to stay, rest, talk, and be encouraged. Over the years, hundreds of people experienced the hospitality that Neal and Carol so naturally offered.
Outside of his work and ministry, Neal enjoyed creating things with his hands. He carved figures, apples, bowls, and other woodworking projects. He enjoyed art, working in the vegetable and extensive perennial gardens at home, and traveling with Carol. Together they visited at least 25 countries—a long way from the Kansas farm where Neal’s story began.
Neal is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Alan and Paul; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sister, Lou. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gene.
The significance of Neal’s life cannot be measured by the number of organizations he advised, countries he visited, ministries he supported, or things he created. At the heart of Neal’s story was his willingness to be available—to God and to people. He listened. He asked questions. He encouraged. He opened his home. He gave his time and resources.
That steady faithfulness—to Christ, to Carol and his family, and to the people God placed in his path—is the legacy Neal leaves behind.
Neal’s family warmly welcomes all who would like to attend the memorial service and asks that you RSVP for the luncheon.
Memorial service details are available at the Neal Meitler Memorial website: https://nealmeitlermemorial.my.canva.site/
