John Meinen, 61

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  • John Meinen, 61
    John Meinen, 61
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John Meinen, 61, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, July 13, 2020 at his home in Mitchell. A graveside service was held at Friday, July 17, 2020 at Vivian Cemetery in Vivian, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.

John Ernest Meinen was born December 8, 1958 to Robert “Bob” and Mary Ann Meinen (Sweeney) in Mitchell, SD. He attended grade school at Vivian Elementary, and High School at Stanley County in Fort Pierre.

John worked on the family farm near Bad River. He broke horses, and worked with Race Horses. He also worked at the Fort Pierre Livestock. Before John was married, he started work at the Coca Cola Bottling in Pierre, SD in 1980. Later he was transferred to the plant in Mitchell where he worked for over 30 years.

John married Cynthia (Cindy) Heckenlaible on September 6, 1980 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Highmore, SD. Their first son, Jeremy Meinen was born in Pierre on October 17, 1981. Their second son, Jared Meinen was born in Mitchell on January 9, 1984. John loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Working with horses was a passion of John’s. When John was in school, he competed in rodeos. After he was out of school, he still attended rodeos. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, and attending auctions. John really enjoyed trail rides, and making new friends. After his health started declining, he started calling his family and friends on the phone.

John is survived by his wife, Cindy; two sons; Jeremy (Angela) Meinen and Jared Meinen; two brothers, Joe (Linda Sullivan) Meinen of Vivian, SD and Jeff Meinen of New Underwood, SD; three sisters, Joyce (Lance) Finch of Brooklyn Place, MN, Janice (Tom) Ringel of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Judy Meinen of Golden Valley, MN; nieces and nephews; Wade Ringel, Josh Pals, Jonell Pals, Kyle Meinen, Bob Klebsch, Brittney Heckenlaible, Roland Heckenlaible, Ethan Heckenlaible, Cody Heckenlaible; Dean and David Meinen and numerous other Cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Ronnie Heckenlaible; nephew, Jesse Klebsch; and friends, Joe Nesheim, Rick Decker, and Dick Blankenship.