Mr. John Meke passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Sharon Richardson Hospice. He was 78 years old. John was born to Frank and Antonia Meke on November 5, 1939, in Yugoslavia. In 1953, he and his family came to the United States and settled in Milwaukee. There he met and married his "Sweetie" Maria (Kotar) on May 11, 1963. In 1970, the family moved to Cedar Grove. John proudly worked for Daimler Chrysler and retired after 30 years of service. John found endless joy in the outdoors. He was a mountain man at heart and shared that love with his family, spending many summer vacations in his favorite place, the Colorado Rocky Mountains. He was a master vegetable gardener, accomplished woodworker and artist. He loved running and hiking at Harrington Park and playing tennis. He completed 14 American Birkebeiner races. He also enjoyed his grandchildren and their many soccer games. Above all, time spent with his family was most cherished. John was a very gentle, soft-spoken man with a quick and fun sense of humor. He is survived by his beloved and deeply devoted wife of 54 years, Maria, his children Deborah (Terry) DuMez and Peter (Kristine) Meke, grandchildren Kyle (Shelly), Ryan (Taylor), Tyler (Rachel Franchock), Michael, Tara and Matthew, his brother Michael and sister Margaret, brothers-in-law John (Nina) Kotar, Rudy (Karen) Kotar, and one sister-in-law, Mira (Victor) Staut. John is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Peter, parents-in-law, Rudy and Theresa Kotar, and sister-in-law Milena (Marty) Palmquist. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Divine Savior Parish – Holy Cross Chapel (5332 Highway B Belgium, Wisconsin 53004) at 3:30 p.m. Deacon Gerald Malueg will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, John's family suggests memorial contributions to Divine Savior Parish or School or the Milwaukee Rescue Mission. John's family would like to thank his many faithful friends for their care, compassion, friendship and assistance when he needed it most. You are all truly a gift. Thank you also to the staff at Sharon Richardson for the most genuine, compassionate care given to John and his family. The Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.