Hans Gustav Meier, 87, of Frankenmuth passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, April 3, 2021.

Hans was born in Jagerndorf, Sudetenland – now known as Krnov, Czech Republic – on March 27, 1934, to the late Gustav and Gertrude (Russina) Meier.  Hans' life was a tale of adventure and survival with an endless stream of fishing conquests woven throughout his life's tapestry.  His young life was marred with the plights of WWII under Hitler's regime which led to his displacement to Bavaria and, eventually, allowed him to embark on a journey to America at the age of 17 with his mom and two brothers.  Hans began working at Star of the West, pausing to serve two years in the Army, after which he married his sweetheart Joanne Laux on November 2, 1957.  Hans and Joanne made their home in Frankenmuth where they raised their four children prior to moving to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1979.   Hans became the production manager of Pillsbury and was proud to start the first flour mill in that country. After 6.5 years in Saudi Arabia, Hans and Joanne returned to the States and found their way to Naples, Florida, where they began the next chapter of their lives.  Hans began a career with the South Florida Water Management running airboats through the Everglades and canals until his retirement.  Hans leaves behind a strong legacy of a love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and immensely enjoying time spent with family and many friends he was privileged to meet along the way.

Hans leaves behind his loving bride of 63 years, Joanne. His four children:  Thomas Meier (Florida); Lori and Steve Haubenstricker (Birch Run); Shari and Mike Drake (Frankenmuth); and Kathryn Meier (Frankenmuth).  Hans has eight grandchildren – Melissa (Dave) Callahan, Ryan (Diana) Drake, Jonathan (Jackie) Haubenstricker, Kyle (Bree) Drake, Jason (Diana) Haubenstricker, Lindsey (Trevor) Weslock, Jacob Knoll, Dylan Knoll – and nine beautiful great grandchildren. Brother Peter (Barbara) Meier also survives him. Both his parents and older brother, Kurt, predeceased him.

Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 8 ^th , 2021, 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan where it will be livestreamed at https://stlorenz.org/stream/ . Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate with burial to follow in St. Lorenz Cemetery. Hans' family will receive visitors at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church or the Saginaw Bay Sturgeon Restoration Fund .

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St.