Monford Meier Sr., 86, of Plattsmouth, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010, at the Bellevue Medical Center in Bellevue.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at the Harvey Funeral Home Chapel in Plattsmouth. Interment will be in Plattsmouth's Oak Hill Cemetery.

Monford "Monty" Meier Sr. was born March 19, 1924, in Oxford to Albert and Wilhelmina (Drew) Meier. He was raised and schooled in Arlington, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

He married Rosalynn Henderson in 1948. He married Peggy Young on August 19, 1999.

Mr. Meier served in the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division during World War II. His time in the military took him to the front lines of battle in both Europe and Africa. From 1942-1945, he served in the African campaign, the invasion of Sicily, the invasion of Normandy on Omaha Beach, Battle at Crucifix Hill and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded five Battle Stars, two Arrowheads, the Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart.

After his discharge from the military, he was a crane operator for more than 30 years and was a member of Local #571, Operators Union in Omaha. After his retirement, he operated his own tree spade service for 11 years.

He was a member of Lepert-Wolever Post #2543 V.F.W. and enjoyed gardening, working in his yard, planting and caring for trees, tinkering with heavy machinery and had a soft spot in his heart for all animals.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Meier, Plattsmouth; children and spouses, Marlene Meier, Omaha, Charlene and Jim Johnson, Bellevue, Monford Meier, Jr. Elk City, Cyndi and Ron Smith, Kirkland, Wash.; stepchildren, Rick and Chris Williams, Julie and Chuck Grancer, Lisa and Andy Voss, Laura and Sean Pohlmeier, all of Plattsmouth; 17 grandchildren, one great-grandchild; brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith and Maxine Meier and Willard and June Meier, both of Arlington; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Alberta Calahan.

Memorials may be directed to the donor's local animal shelter.