Jean M. Meyer, 84, of Harlow, ND passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Leeds, ND with Fr. Daniel Musgrave celebrating. Visitation will be held Monday, February 1, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Rosary and Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery: 5125 49 ^th Avenue NE York, ND 58386. CDC recommendations including social distancing, hand sanitizing and staying away if not feeling well are encouraged. Wearing a mask is required.

Jean Marie Meyer was born on June 21, 1936, to Oscar Elverude and Lydia (Johnson) Elverude, near Churchs Ferry. Jean graduated from the Churchs Ferry High School as valedictorian, in 1954.

Jean married Bernard Meyer of Harlow, on September 1, 1955, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brinsmade. They joked that they closed the church when they got married, as their wedding was the last mass held in that church in Brinsmade. It was later moved to Tokio, where they continue to have mass today.

Bernard and Jean made their home on the original Meyer homestead, raising Angus cattle and hogs, plus small grains, for over 50 years. When they retired, they rented out their land, and continued to live on the farm. Bernard passed away on April 30, 2012. Jean loved the farm and remained living there, after Bernard's passing. She enjoyed the peace and quiet it provided, especially after calling it home for over 60 years.

Jean was raised as a town girl, but after marrying Bernard, quickly became a farm wife, working alongside him in all aspects, including helping with maintenance, seeding, haying and harvest, and taking care of the cattle and hogs. She truly was a partner in the operation. That love of agriculture, led her to become involved in several agriculture organizations, promoting agriculture and helping others understand it. She served on the board of the North Dakota Pork Producers; as a member of the North Dakota Angus Association and Angus Auxiliary; as a member, director and president of the Benson County Famers Union, Leeds-York Local and Butte Valley Local; a member of the North Dakota Farmers Union; and a member of the Lake Region Chapter of Agri-Women and the North Dakota Agri-Women, serving as president for both organizations. Agri-Women recognized her with the Red River Valley Farm Woman of the Year Award and with their highest national honor of the Leaven Award. She was also a 4-H Leader for the Twin Lake Boys Club for many years and later continued judging 4-H events in Benson and Ramsey Counties, being honored as a "Friend of 4-H" for Benson County. Jean also was a great supporter of FFA, helping at all levels, from the local chapter to the state association, receiving the Honorary Degree from the Maddock Chapter and North Dakota State Association. She and Bernard became originally involved in 4-H and FFA, by helping both of their children with many of their projects when they were members.

Outside of the agriculture organizations she was involved in, she also served on the Maddock School Board for many years, including as president of the board, and helped with the planning of three celebrations in Harlow. She also was involved in the Churchs Ferry School Alumni Association, recently being recognized for her 35 years of serving on the board.

Jean was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Leeds. Over the years she taught CCD, served on the Parish Council, was involved in the Altar Society and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. In 1983, Bernard, Jean and their family received the Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope John Paul II.

There were many things Jean was known for including the love she had for her family. She was a loving caretaker for her son Jim, her husband Bernard, her parents, and her sister-in-law and her husband. She was a great role model for many, a gracious and humble lady who always worried about others, rather than herself. Even when she started to lose her eyesight from Macular Degeneration, she continued to do as much as she could, without asking for anyone's help. That included continuing to make her famous potato salad and Bernard's fudge, both loved by many. In recent years she did rely more on Tammy for help, which was a blessing for a beautiful time they were able to spend together, taking care of each other. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughter Tammy Meyer of Harlow; several cousins; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son James Meyer; her parents; in-laws Joseph and Elizabeth Meyer; sister Shirley Christensen; brothers-in-law LaVaine Christenson, Roy Meyer, John Buchta, John Fitzpatrick, Henry Erickson, John Piatz and Joe Risovi; and sisters-in-law MaryLou Meyer, Alice Buchta, Mabel Fitzpatrick, Albina Erickson, Marie Piatz and Irene Risovi.