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It is with great sadness that we announce that our father, Robert Charles Meissner, has passed away. He died on Sunday, February 26, 2023 at the age of 78. Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara, to whom he was married for almost 53 years; four of his children, Charlie, Rose-Anne, John, and Theresa; and four grandchildren, Lydia, Devyn, Maggie, and Sammy.

Robert was a proud alumnus of University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. As a U of M student, Robert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics, studying Latin and Greek as well as completing graduate coursework. As his career began, he pursued technical training in electronics. In the last phase of his career, he loved teaching electronics to his students at ITT Technical Institute. He and Barbara shared a love for teaching and helping students.

Robert was a loyal and devoted husband and father. He and Barbara raised their family in Redford, Michigan, encouraging their five children to explore the world of books and the natural world. Robert was an independent scholar who enjoyed reading and learning his entire life. He loved working on his cars and electronic equipment, walking, riding his bike, golfing, and playing piano and organ. He enjoyed caring for his yard, growing beautiful roses and tasty tomatoes. Later in his life, he liked working at Midwest Auto Auction, spending time among the cars and his friends.

Robert lived life on his own terms. Fiercely opinionated and hungry for knowledge, he stayed engaged in issues of local and national importance. He loved his freedom and taught his kids to be independent and self-sufficient. He valued education and loved that his daughter Theresa earned her college degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn. In his later years, Robert could often be found sporting a U of M t-shirt and baseball cap.

As a young man, Robert spent time traveling in Europe, enjoying an extended trip to Rome and Germany with his wife Barbara, sister Rose, and brother-in-law Bill. The son of an Irish immigrant mother, Robert visited Dublin, Ireland and always enjoyed corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day. The grandson of German immigrant grandparents, Robert spent time studying Germany and the German language. His paternal family, the Meissners, are believed to be from Meissen, a town in eastern Germany known for its beautiful porcelain.

Robert is deeply loved and missed by his family and friends. A church service is planned for Monday, March 6th. For details, please contact Rose-Anne via text or direct message. She can be reached at 847-644-0782 or here on Facebook via Messenger.

(In true Meissner fashion, this post has been lightly edited to add a few more details.)

POSTED: September 12, 2008

SALEM-Martha J. Meissner, 89, of Salem and formerly of Damascus, died Thursday morning at Essex I of Salem.

She was born in East Palestine on Aug. 1, 1919, the daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret (Kocher) Rodgers.

Martha  was known for her generous heart in helping all and expecting nothing  in return. She enjoyed sewing and was also a beautician.

She is  survived by her two daughters, Joan (Bill) McBride of Beloit, Jean  (Dennis) Van Prooyen of Tavares, Fla.; two sons; Rick (Anita) Meissner  of Nelsonville, Ohio and Tom (Marge) Meissner of Petersburg, Mich.; 12  grandchildren, Scott, Dawn, Barbi, Gary, Kevin, Brian, April, Rachael,  Adam, Kendra, Brandon and Brad; nine great-grandchildren, Brianna,  Brittany, Brandon, Gary Jr., Paige, Bradley, McKenzie, Kato and Kylee.

She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Rodgers of Homeworth.

She  was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Emil on March 27,  2004; a twin sister, Mary Knight; a sister Margaret Benner; and an  infant son.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 13,  2008, at 11 a.m. at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home with Rev. Rod Doran  officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park.

Memorial  contributions can be made in Martha's memory to Hospice of the Valley,  120 W. County Line Road, 1120 Village Plaza, Columbiana, Ohio 44408; or  Essex I of Salem.

Friends may sign the guest book and send condolences online at www.grfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home.

POSTED: July 2014   

Patricia  A. Landsberger, 66, of Salem, died Monday evening, April 28, 2014 at  her home. She was born August 11, 1947 in Salem, Ohio, daughter of the  late Norman and Elizabeth (Meissner) Steele. She was preceded in death  by her husband Albert H. Landsberger whom she marriedNovember 26, 1982.  -- from Salem News, May 2, 2014.  

Pat was the very heart and soul of our Meissner Family.     For  decades she was the one who would send out the notices of our Annual  Family Gathering.  This always took place in Salem on either the last  Sunday in July or first Sunday in August.  She was the Family  Treasurer.  She bought the awards for family members, including the  oldest and youngest and the latest marriage.  She got the big tubs of  delicious ice cream for all the "kids" in our family whether aged one  year old or ninety-one years old.
  She was there last August at the lake where we all came.  She was her usual welcoming and optimistic self.
We  are going to miss her.  Who will send out our notices now?  Who will  keep our five hundred member family strong, loving, and united?  Pat did  all of this.
I  believe in heaven.  So I am sure Pat is organizing an Annual Reunion  there for all those in our family who have passed away over the last  hundred  years.

Pat, we love you.  Please pray for us.   DEDICATIONS AND THANK-YOU by Joseph Meissner

POSTED: November 2016

Dennis A. Groves, age 64, of Salem, died at 4:46 a.m. Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at his home. He was born January 16, 1952 in Salem, Ohio, the son of the late Chalmer W. and Margaret G. (Meissner) Groves. 

He was a 1970 graduate of Salem High School and worked at the Salem Fire Department as a Fire Fighter Captain for 18 years. He was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church. 

Dennis was a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War. 

Survivors include his wife, Judith A. (Leider) Groves, whom he married July 10, 1971; parents-in-law, Larry and Martha Leider of Salem; Three daughters, Amy S. (Derek) Drakulich of Jacksonville, Florida, Daniele A. (Scott) VanTassel of Sharon, Pennsylvania, and Tennielle A. Weisenburger of Salem;  sister, Joyce (Tom) Stamp of Sarasota, Florida; two brothers, Phil (Evelyn) Groves of Atwater, and Paul (Andrea) Groves of Austintown; three grandchildren, Austin, Destiny and Chloe.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, Jim and Bernie Groves. 

A private family service will be held at a later date. Interment will be held at Grandview Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by the Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44512.

His obituary may be viewed and condolences sent online at www.starkmemorial.com

Note from Phil and Ev Groves

 We visited with Dennis the last time he was in Salem Hospital and had a good visit considering he had just been informed there wasn’t much the medical community could do for him. He was making arrangements for his family’s future as he always had with calm deliberation.
We saw Dennis just after he came home and thought he looked pretty good and we fully expected him to be his usual self for several months. It was quite a surprise when our son, Clay, who visits Dennis’ family frequently, told us he was rapidly going downhill just a week ago. He was apparently kept out of pain. I have never seen anyone so accepting of the inevitable as Dennis, and have only admiration for his efforts to provide for the well being of his family. We will miss him and his wry humor.