Sioux Falls, SD ~ Dr. Vaughn and JoAnn (Kruse) Meyer were called together to Heaven on Christmas afternoon. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM on Sunday at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to Sioux Falls Lutheran Schools. 

Vaughn Henry Meyer was born on January 2, 1950, in Tulare, SD, the first born of six children, to Eugene Henry and Ruby (Binger) Meyer. JoAnn Kruse was born on March 20, 1950 in Hartley, IA, the youngest of two children, to Vernon and Evelyn (Steinbeck) Kruse. She was raised in Sutherland, IA.

Vaughn and JoAnn met while attending college at the University of South Dakota. They were married on August 28, 1971. They are survived by their three children - Jason (wife Bobbi and children: Sophia and Henry) of Harrisburg, SD, Dr. Jill Onesti (husband, Anthony and children: Avery, Leo and Rocco) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Dr. Meredith Meyer of San Francisco, CA; of equal blessing to them was their dear friend and honorary daughter, Tamara Nash of Sioux Falls, SD; Vaughn's siblings: Keith (Joyce) Meyer, Rossville, KS, Deborah (Terry) Pentecost, Lawrence, KS, Joyce (Daryl) Buchholz, Manhattan, KS, Janice (Dave) Sharp, Rossville, KS and Faye (Brad) Miller, Rossville, KS; JoAnn's brother, Ronald (JoAnn) Kruse, Omaha, NE; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Raised as a hardworking farmer, Vaughn became a pilot while in medical school and fell in love with the thrill of flight. He was passionate about his plastic surgery practice and making a difference in each patient's life. He loved hockey and cheering on the Minnesota Wild or Sioux Falls Stampede. During his retirement, he enjoyed devoting more time to their church (Our Redeemer Lutheran) and developing the growth of the Sioux Falls Lutheran school. He was diligent about learning to play the piano. He served as an inspiration to all his children who pursued careers in the medical field.

JoAnn worked as a speech language pathologist and supported Vaughn and the family through residency in Missouri with her job and endless willingness to be a study partner.  After moving to South Dakota, she was able to focus on raising their three children. As the kids grew older, she continued to find avenues to share her blessings. She dedicated many years to bringing God's ministry to people who were homebound and providing comfort foods to those going through challenging times. Despite her grace and gentleness, she was intensely competitive and an avid tennis player and golfer. She loved playing games with every member of the family including cards, basketball and ping pong. She "never" lost a game of 'horse,' and was the unofficial ping pong champion of Christmas, 2017. JoAnn lived her life with such positivity that she elevated everyone around her.

Despite being retired for the past four years, Vaughn and JoAnn managed to become busier than ever. They loved traveling to visit their grandchildren and other relatives. They also found time to cruise along the Seine, drive through back roads in Ireland, visit the Holy Lands, tour Russia, learn local customs in Croatia and hike Machu Pichu. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with their friends (and any of their kids' friends). Pickleball, book club, bridge club and entertaining during sunsets at the lake cabin kept them beyond busy. This Christmas they continued their tradition of seeing the Rockettes in NYC. Their lives were incredibly full of joy, peace and blessings. A special treat included trips to Hawaii with various friends and family to soak up the sun, watch the whales, and celebrate the awe of God's creation.

Despite the tragic end, the family continues to rejoice in the comfort that God was guiding them on their final journey home. They fondly remember the years of family trips and memories associated with flights by Pilot Vaughn and Flight Attendant JoAnn on N6745V. Flying will always be an enjoyable memory.

Their family is forever touched by the heroic action taken by those who were personally and immediately affected by this tragedy - you will forever remain in our prayers. 

While they are missed dearly, their compassionate spirit continues to inspire. The best way to celebrate their memory is to quote their Christmas card, "God is so good!"

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Funeral Service Wood Lawn Record : 2018-12-31