Douglas James Meissner, born January 8th, 1932, in Clark County, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at the age of 93. He was the son of Edwin Meissner and Bertha Grobe. From his family he learned the farming, carpentry, masonry and all things construction that would shape his life’s occupations. He attended school in Chili, Wisconsin and enjoyed boxing and playing baseball as a young boy.
He married Sonia Seefeldt October 20, 1950, in Chili, Wisconsin. They were parents of nine children: Sheila Hallenberg, Shirlee (Kent) Alexander, Susan (Jim) Klock, John Meissner (Gloria Reidel), Sally (David) Bucher, Mark (Valerie) Meissner, Paul Meissner (Bonnie Johnson), Brent (Ann Marie) Meissner, and Sherri Meissner (Royce Rutledge).
After relocating to Milwaukee in 1954, Doug was co-owner of Meissner & Hicks Construction company that specialized in plaster and drywall. In 1977, the family moved to Denver, Colorado, where Doug managed construction projects throughout the Rocky Mountains. Dallas, Texas, was their home beginning in 1980, where he continued managing construction projects until his retirement. After retirement, he began Meissner Trucking and ran a fleet of trucks nationwide with several of his children.
Following the death of Sonia, Doug and Jean Browning Dickson were married in 2004. They were active members of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Doug was well loved by Jean’s sons and their families.
Doug/Beezer/Papa will be remembered as a direct communicator and fun-loving prankster who sang loudly and always jumped into a water fight. He loved his family and was always available when help was requested. Many times he would volunteer to help before one could ask, as he knew the best way to approach and finish any home project. He was quick to provide unsolicited backseat driving advice, the most exact cardinal driving directions, and tips to find the best priced fuel at any U.S. interstate exit. Doug was more reliable and precise than any roadmap or GPS. An avid hunter, he enjoyed yearly hunting trips with his sons, brothers, nephews, and cousins at the hunting cabin.
Papa was never without a good story and a seemingly endless supply of toothpicks and handkerchiefs. His unmistakable,billowy laugh or a quick “no no no no no,” to sternly, but lovingly correct will be fiercely missed.
Papa taught the grandchildren and great grandchildren so many things: how to drive cars and snowmobiles, how to correctly pack a box and a car trunk, how to shave, that Peterbilt trucks are the best trucks, and how to make raw potato pancakes and sugar cookies. He showed us love in a variety of ways: a bushwhacker or whisker rub, a giant hug, firm handhold, an underarm pinch, a tickle, or a good-natured wrestling match.
Above all, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He generously donated his time, talents and money to worthy causes and was quick to reach out his hand to pick someone up.
Meissner family traditions of playing cards and croquet, sharing opinions, fishing, hunting, laughing and singing loudly, spending time together, and starting water fights will be passed down to all the younger generations.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, his children, 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Sonia; parents, three brothers: Harland, Chester, and Norman; his sister Betty Gluch; and stepsons Harold, Barrett, and Ted Dickson.
The family would like to thank the caregivers Barbara, Fred, and Maggie with the hospice care home for their compassion and patience.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Gideon’s International or Habitat for Humanity.
Service to be held:
September 13, 2025 at 1:00pm
Stonebriar Community Church
4801 Legendary Dr
Frisco, TX 75034
Family graveside:
July 24, 2026
Yolo Cemetery
Chili, WI