Rodney D. Meidam

Rodney D. Meidam, age 68, of Athelstane, passed away Monday, December 17, 2018 at St. Luke's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI surrounded by his family. He was born April 27, 1950 in Appleton, WI, son of the late Adrian and Leora (Nass) Meidam. Rodney was a loving father, grandfather, brother and son. He is survived by his 3 children: Robert (Lisa) Meidam, Laurie (Linda Schwarzbauer) Meidam and Jennifer Baumann; his 4 beloved grandchildren: Briana Meisenhelder, Ethan Meidam, Paige Baumann and Victoria Kading; a great-grandson, and his friend, Butch Schultz. He is further survived by a brother, Ronald (Helen) Meidam and 2 sisters, Joyce Gerow and Jean (Paul) Lamers; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Marlene Driessen and Nancy Lappen; 3 brothers-in-law, Daniel Lappen, Leo Drissen, Ray Gerow and a nephew, Danny Lappen.

Rodney attended Outagamie County Teachers College in Kaukauna where he received his two year teaching degree. He then attended UWO-Oshkosh and received his Bachelors of Science degree in 1972. He also attended Marian College in Fond du Lac, WI, where he received his Masters in Educational Administration in 1992. Rodney served in the National Guard from 1971 to 1977. His unit was activated during the State Employee strike and again for the Noviciate Takeover.

Rodney received the "Who's Who" Award in 1992 and again in 1993.

Rodney taught for 20 years at Holy Angels School in Darboy, WI. He taught all general grades from Grade 3-8 and science for Grades 5-8 during his years as a teacher there. He became the administrator of Holy Angels School in 1991. It was under his administration that Holy Angels received its first accreditation status. He planned, initiated and supervised the entire process assigning groups from the entire Parish to include board members, Parish Council, students, parents, faculty and others to help in the process to achieve the accreditation and oversaw each group. While principal, he also updated the curriculum to include a K-8 computer lab, D.A.R.E. program, human growth, science fairs, art fair, kindergarten screening, before and after school care program and many other changes for the benefit of the students, staff, parents and entire school.

He left Holy Angels in 1996 and moved to Green Bay where he became property manager for the subsidized government apartments (HUD), managing 120 apartments. He helped to plan, implement and schedule major remodeling and renovations of the apartments over a 5 year period as well as serving as liaison between management, vendors and residents. He was also the property manager at Meadows North beginning in 2006. He again helped to plan and supervise major renovation projects at Meadows North during his time there. He loved working with the elderly and enjoyed his job there. He was a kind and compassionate man.

In 2003 he started a small business at his cottage. He enjoyed working in his store with Butch and met many other "up-northers" who came into the store to purchase items for their homes and cabins.

Rodney enjoyed life and spending time with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends whom he cared for so much.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer-Green Bay Chapel (340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay), Saturday, December 22, 2018 from 2 PM to 4 PM. A funeral service will follow at 4 PM with military honors.

Rodney's family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. Mary's and St. Vincent Hospitals, Green Bay as well as UW-Madison and St. Luke's, Milwaukee for their excellent care and kindness.

"To Those I Love and Those who Love Me, When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Please be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve awhile for me if you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on so if you need me, call and I will come. I'll be near and if you listen with your heart you will hear, all of my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile, a big hug and a "Welcome Home! With all my love, Rodney"