Elton "Dutch" Meyers

It is said that serving others is the path to greatness, and Elton “Dutch” Meyers exemplified that truth. A strong leader without being overbearing, Dutch demonstrated a warmth and sincerity that earned him the respect and friendship of many. He genuinely cared about others and was good at understanding various perspectives, even if they were different from his own. He was willing to talk about anything and enjoyed learning as well as sharing what he knew. Despite facing many difficulties, he looked at life with an optimism that enabled him to be successful at whatever he tried.

Talk of the Roaring ‘20s conjures up images of carefree flappers, perky music, and glamorized gangsters. However, the preface to what looked like happy-go-lucky times was actually dark and troubled. The year 1919 was marred by race riots across America, global controversy over the resolution of World War I, and fear regarding the spread of communism. It was into this climate that Elton Meyers was born on January 24, 1919.

Elton soon learned that the world could be a frightening, lonely place. Due to the early death of their mother Doris (Fritz) he and his sister Irene were raised by their father John and grandparents, who had emigrated from Holland to the U.S. Early on, Elton was dubbed “Dutch” by his friends and the name stuck. Growing up, Dutch joined the neighbor kids in countless baseball games, idolizing the likes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.

In his late teens, Dutch heard rumors of war in Europe and concern began to grow over the United States’ involvement in the conflict. Just before his twenty-second birthday, he learned the horrifying news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and war had arrived. He married Evelyn and had two daughters when he joined thousands of other young American men that were drafted into military service.

Dutch served in the Navy from June, 1944, until January, 1946, as a Metalsmith Second Class. He was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago, Illinois, and served on the USS ABSD-2, a floating dry dock sent to sea so that damaged ships abroad would not have to make long journeys home for repairs. After his military discharge, he and Evelyn had four more children. The couple later legally separated.

Dutch had a mechanical mind and founded Meyers Sales and Service, a lawn mower and small engine repair shop. His problem solving skills and inventive way of looking at things led him to three patents. While the kids were growing up, they helped out around the shop and learned a lot from the time they spent with their dad, picking up such gems of wisdom as, “It’s not your needs that get you in trouble, it’s your wants.” He kept working for over sixty years until 2008, when he was nearly ninety years old.

His in-depth understanding of the way things worked benefited him not only at the shop, but also around the house. He built three homes himself and maintained a Model A pickup for a while. He found time to refurbish historic airplanes and owned three planes of his own. A talented pilot, he performed aerial tricks and at one time served as a bush pilot.

Some friends set Dutch up on a blind date with a lovely lady named Irene Asenbauer. They enjoyed that evening of bowling and laughter a great deal and never looked back. They spent the next forty years building a lifetime partnership, sticking together through thick and thin. They enjoyed Sunday drives together, watching the fishermen on the South Haven pier and stopping by Sherman’s where Dutch would at some point inevitably recite, “You scream, me scream, we all scream for ice cream.”

Dutch was loyal to his customers and his community. He faithfully sponsored the local Little League through his shop and made everyone feel important by remembering names and how he knew them. He did business outside of his repair shop as well, building a reputation of integrity, generosity, and fairness. His gentleness could also be seen in the loving care he took of his sheltie, Trixie.

His loved ones will undoubtedly feel the emptiness left by Dutch’s departure, but he leaves them with wonderful memories and warm assurances of his devotion. His voice will remain, reminding them that he loved them “a whole big bunch.”

Dutch died Thursday, August 13, 2009, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Meyers; a sister, Irene Lewis; a grandson, George Hatfield, Jr.; a great grandson, Zander Hatfield; and by Irene’s daughter-in-law, Sheila Stafford. Surviving are his beloved, Irene Asenbauer; six children: Margie Yankoviak, Mary Lou (Steven) Gazi, Judy (George) Hatfield, James (Sheryl) Meyers, Dixie Meyers, and Vickie (Dennis) Ball; thirty-one grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; Irene’s three children: Bob Stafford, Barb (Ted) Davis, and Harold (Emily) Stafford; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Learn more about Dutch, view his Life Story film, and share refreshments with his family and friends on Sunday, August 16, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 11:00 AM, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Vicksburg, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Elton’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a favorite memory or photo or sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.