Edward L. Meyer was born May 30, 1923, the son of Peter H and Emma (Pautz) Meyer of Willow Lake, SD. He graduated from Willow Lake High School, excelling in athletics, music and speech activities. He worked with his father in their farming and livestock operation until his father's death in 1951.

His second career was in education. He received a B.A. degree from Huron University, an M.A. degree from the University of South Dakota, and a PH.D degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. He was a member of the facility at the University of South Dakota, Northern University of Aberdeen, Huron University, the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University. He retired as Professor Emeritus from South Dakota State University on 1990. He was also a nationally certified speech-language pathologist and conducted therapy in hospitals, his private clinic and health care systems.

Edward married Ruth Elaine K. Olson in 1956. They had two daughters, Kim and Lisa. In 1981 he married Sandra Shockman. They moved to rural Custer following his retirement in 1990.

While in Brookings, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he served as an ordained elder deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was selected to represent South Dakota at the National General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and served on occasion as a lay minister. After moving to the Black Hills, he and his wife joined the Custer Lutheran Fellowship.

Edward was a member of several professional and civic organizations. He was a participant in numerous music and theater events. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; two daughters, Lisa Sperl of Grand Junction, CO and Kim Meyer Roberts of Pierre, SD; five grandchildren, Andy Sperl of Greely, CO; Emily Sperl of Loveland, CO; Tracy Roberts of Boulder, CO; Michael Roberts of Spearfish, SD; Alex Roberts of Vermillion, SD; one sister, Ardelle McPherson of Custer; nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Emma Meyer of Willow Lake, SD and a sister, Dorothy Maxwell of Brookings, SD.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship in Custer with Pastor Tom Opoien and Pastor Kent Narum officiating.

A memorial has been established in Edward's name.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.