Joan Meyer, first Vice President of the ELCIC, dies

Joan Meyer, former vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 25, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

She was 74.

Meyer served as the first vice president of the ELCIC and held the position for two terms from 1986 to 1993.

She assisted the congregations of St. Olaf’s in Swift Current and Good Shepherd in Saskatoon in various capacities, including roles on church council and treasurer. She volunteered with the Lutheran Care Society and served on the Council of the Saskatchewan Synod as administrator and secretary. Meyer was also a member of the Lutheran Merger Commission. 

“Joan played an historic role in the life of the ELCIC, serving as its first vice president,” said ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson. “She went on to serve the church at local, synodical and national levels in so many ways; she is truly an example of someone with a heart for service to God and neighbour. She will be greatly missed.”

Professionally, Meyer was the administrator of the R.M. of Excelsior and Wheatland Mall in Swift Current, while providing book-keeping and management/consulting services for a variety of non-profit organizations and small business throughout the province of Saskatchewan. 

Volunteering was a passion of Meyer’s, to which she was recognized for her countless contributions with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2006, and an Honorary Doctorate of Christian Letters from the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Meyer was also appointed by the Governor General of Canada as a director of the Farm Credit Corporation. 

Meyer was predeceased by her husband Don in 2021. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Geri, son Rohn, her mother Mildred, her sisters, nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saskatoon.