Kay Elizabeth Meier

At 82, Kay Meier (Furtney) ended her earthly chapter peacefully on Saturday, November 29th after bravely battling Dementia. She leaves behind a life marked by love for her family, quiet brilliance, and deep kindness. Kay Meier was born on March 16, 1943, in Fairmont, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood and early years. She began dating the love of her life, Gordon Meier, in high school, and the two married in 1964. Together they moved to Minneapolis and built a life rooted in love and partnership. They raised two children, Heather and Gregory, and later welcomed one grandchild, Brandon, Greg's son. Kay was the heart and foundation of her family and home. She loved caring for her husband and children, and she poured her whole self into creating a warm and welcoming household. Running the family home was her career, and she approached it with unconditional love and pride. She liked to say the house was her "office". Because of Kay's hard work and love, her family was able to grow and succeed. Kay was a lifelong lover of music, animals, the environment, and reading. Kay was a gifted musician. An accomplished piano and saxophone player, she found joy in music throughout her life. She loved time spent at Schmitt Music, browsing for sheet-music versions of her latest favorite songs. She could sit down and play anything-from the Beatles to Rachmaninoff-with ease. While she adored all creatures, dogs held a special place in her heart-especially Scottish Terriers and Norwegian Elkhounds. She was a strong supporter of animal-welfare and conservation organizations, and her family often joked that she enjoyed visits from her "grand-dogs" even more than visits from her kids. While she loved what she called, her "little house in Minneapolis", Kay also loved their lake home in Ely, MN. She loved sitting by the lake, taking in the view, listening to the loons, and spending quiet hours reading. Brilliant and endlessly curious, she was very well-read and thoughtful. Her house was filled with books - She had read them all at least once! She began each day by reading the newspaper, ready to discuss current events with depth and insight. She was also the person everyone relied on for spelling and correct grammar - long before Google and spell check! Kind, shy, and never judgmental, she created space for others to simply be who they were. Kay was accepting without judgment. She never asked those around her to be anything but themselves. And even with her quiet nature, she was quick with a laugh and had a great sense of humor. Kay is survived by her husband, Gordon Meier, Daughter Heather, son-in law Logan and their three dogs, Lily May, Augie & Violet and Grandson Brandon. She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory Meier; parents, John and Elizabeth (Stade) Furtney; Half-brother John Furtney; mother-in-law Margaret Meier (Mair); Father-in-law Hugh Meier; Grand-Dog, Daisy Belle and a whole pack of Scottish Terriers and Norwegian Elkhounds she loved throughout her life. Kay's life will be celebrated, per her wishes, in a private, immediate family only, prayer service. She will be interred at the family burial plot in Fairmont, MN. If you would like to honor Kay, in lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue and/or environmental conservation organization of your choice. Kay will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Tributes

Kay Elizabeth Meier

March 16, 1943 - November 29, 2025

Tributes

Kay Elizabeth Meier

March 16, 1943 - November 29, 2025

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