It is with profound sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Polly S. Meyer, who passed away on October 30, 2024 surrounded by her family at the age of 90. Polly was born on March 12, 1934 to Walter and Ethel (Smith) Eastman. She was a loving wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great grandma, leaving behind a legacy of Christian faith, family love, and unity.

At the young age of 12, Polly lost her mother and was raised by her older siblings as she was the baby of 8 children.  Polly would usually be outside on the farm in her bib overalls and pig tails with her dog named Giggs trying to keep up her older siblings that she admired greatly. 

Polly had a love for music.  She played the accordion in her earlier years until she developed arthritis and started playing the keyboard.  Polly played at many weddings, anniversary parties and night clubs in a couple different bands called “The Danceable Ones” and “The George Duren Orchestra”.  Later in life she played at many different nursing homes and she had a Friday night gig at the Loganberrie Inn.  Polly loved to attend music festivals that had Polka music and Waltz music.  You would find Polly on the dance floor kicking up her heels.  She was a devoted member of the Bill Anderson fan club.  During her spare time you would find Polly listening to the radio or watching the Lawrence Welk show.

At the age of 19, Polly was set up on a blind date, her friend’s brother, Merlin Meyer. There were joyous times of going on many dates to different dance halls and playing cards. In 6 short months Merlin and Polly were united in marriage on May 15, 1954. Shortly after being married, they became parents to their three sons that they adored and are very proud of, Mark, Evan and Craig.  They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

In earlier years, Polly worked at Woolen Mill for a short time then became a homemaker and musician.  Once the kids were in school, she worked part-time at Beisber’s veterinary clinic that was next door to their home.  In her later years she worked at Lands’ End until she retired. 

Polly enjoyed spending time with family, going to church on a regular basis, bowling, playing numerous different card games, doing word search puzzles, pitching horseshoes, and shooting pool.  Merlin and Polly always enjoyed a good Friday night fish fry and spending late nights at someone’s house playing cards and sharing stories. Polly loved her jewelry and was honored to share it with her daughters-in-law, granddaughters, great-granddaughters and great great-granddaughters. 

Polly is survived their three sons and daughters-in-law; Mark & Marti (Gardner) Meyer, Evan & Linda (Meyer) Meyer and Craig & Becky (Fleming) Meyer, all of Reedsburg. Their 6 grandchildren (spouses); Nick (Erika) Meyer, Jason (Angie) Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Courtney (Ryan) Donovan, Kelsey (Eric) Hineman and Craig Jr. (Taylor) Meyer.  Their 18 Great grandchildren (spouse): Nathan Meyer, Emma Meyer, Ashley (Nick) Smith, Megan Meyer, Bentley Meyer, Owen Meyer, Raelyn Meyer, Dawson Meyer, Kayleigh Meyer, Anna Meyer, Kenny Meyer, Reagan Donovan, Torin Donovan, Carter Hineman, Libby Hineman, Finn Meyer, Emmie Meyer, and Jack Merlin Meyer. Their 2 Great-Great Grandchildren: Amanda Rego and Ellie Smith. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Pearl Wilburn, along with many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ethel Eastman; her siblings, Joseph Eastman, Leo Eastman, Marie McWilliams, Robert Eastman, Blanche Eastman, Betty Senger and Walt Eastman, Jr., along with her parents-in-law and many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Polly’s passing was unexpected for us all as we just said our final good bye to Merlin 2 days ago.   Their passing is a significant loss to us all, their love and legacy will be a daily part of our lives forever. 

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 1:00pm at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 345 N. Pine Street, Reedsburg, WI with Rev. Paul Crolius, Pastor officiating.  Visitation will be at St. Peters Lutheran Church prior to the service from 11am – 12:45am. Burial will be made in St. Peters Lutheran Cemetery in Reedsburg.  Pallbearers are the grandsons of Polly: Nick Meyer, Jason Meyer, Ryan Meyer, Ryan Donovan, Eric Hineman and Craig Meyer Jr.