David Lee Meissner

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David attended Rush City High School, active in music, sports, and student government "Go Tigers" and attended Rush City Baptist Church. He played the piano and sang with his brothers. He earned degrees from UofM: BMs in Vocal Performance and Theory & Composition, MA in Theory & Composition, and completed course work for a DMA in Vocal Performance. A vast musical career: choral conductor/music director (e.g. UofM and Wesley United Methodist); Opera/Musical Performer (Postcard From Morocco, Amahl & the Night Visitors, Fiddler on the Roof); tenor soloist (e.g. Masterworks Chorale, Hennepin United Methodist, Montana Chorale); choral artist (e.g. Dale Warland Singers, SF Opera project w/Bobby McFerrin, SF Symphony Chorus); and Leader/Member, cover bands. Certified piano technician, tuning for Prince. Avid volunteer: AIDS ministries, Reconciling Ministries, and AIDS rides. While working his "day-job" at the UofM he met the love of his life, Gene Chelberg. In 2002, moved to SF, and created a wonderful community of friends. Married in 2008, renewed vows in 2020, and shared many great adventures. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2014, complicated by dementia in 2021, David enrolled in home hospice on 4/5 and passed peacefully 4/21 surrounded by "Team David." Preceded in death by: parents Walter & Alice, sister Janet, brother Roger, brother Edward "Willy" (Linda), brother Wally (Lois), and father-in-law & step-mother-in-law Ray & Jan. Survived by: husband Gene, brothers & sisters-in-law Fred (Pam) and Kevin (Linda), aunt Arlene Hendrickson, Mother-in-law and step-dad-in-law Jo & Don Kurtenbach, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Yvonne McCarthy (Jim), Chris (Theresa), Jon Englund (Donna Lugar), and Shannon Carson, nieces & nephews, cousins, and friends. "Daddy David/Momma Cat" is also survived by Bates & Nurse Ruthie. Deep appreciation to "Team David" (sister Shannon and friend Melanie Cansler) for their extraordinary care and love. Thanks to By the Bay Health for their support. Please join David in filling the world with more joy, love, peace, and grace. Services/Receptions: 2pm, 5/3/24; Congregational Church of San Mateo, CA; and 3pm, 5/10/24, First Lutheran Church, Rush City, MN. Memorials preferred to the family. Arrangements by Colma Cremation & Funeral Services.

Published on May 5, 2024