Walter T. Meinert

Walter Theodore Meinert was born May 18, 1922 in Walcott, Iowa and was raised on the family farm by Minnie and Theodore Meinert. Along with older brothers Martin and Lawrence, he developed a love for hard work and horses. As did many of his generation, he served four years in the navy during WWII as a Lieutenant on the U.S.S. Jacob Jones Destroyer Escort, making almost 50 trips across the rough North Atlantic Ocean. He was the commanding officer during the decommissioning of the U.S.S. Jacob Jones.

Following the war he earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa where his favorite teacher was Father Goggins. He then received a full scholarship as one of fifteen students accepted into the first graduating class of the Institute of Textile Technology (Charlottesville, Va.). After graduation he worked for Emery Industries (later National Distillers) in Cincinnati, Ohio from 1949-1980, starting as a general salesman and retiring as Vice President of International Operations. He was very proud that he knew the entire business, from top to bottom, and never lost touch with his humble beginnings. He was a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society and continued reading the trade journal, Chemical Engineering News, until the month he died.

Walt loved horses. He and his three partners raised horses in Walton, Kentucky at the "No Do (pronounced Dough) Farm". They raced their horses at Turfway, Keeneland, and River Downs. One of Walt's favorite horses was "No Do Lady" who earned victory at Turfway as jockey Charley Woods' 2,000th mount. Walt was a youth basketball coach, avid golfer, as well as an active follower of other sports. He was legendary for his fearless bidding techniques in bridge, seldom based upon the actual cards in his hand, that nonetheless often led to success. His mastery of the bluff and the tall tale were an endearing part of his legacy.

He served on the Board of Trustees of Mercy Franciscan Hospital - Western Hills from 1980-1985 and the Hamilton County Hospital Commission from 1982-1985. He was a member of Hidden Valley Golf Club, Lawrenceburg, Indiana; Queen City Club; Metropolitan Club; and the Cingolese Traveling Golf League. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and the Syrian Shrine.

He died at home Oct. 21, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer and is survived by his wife of 61 years Delores "Tootie" Meinert (nee Mengel) who shared his love of bridge, golf, travel, and life, He was the loving father of three children: Susan (Patrick Clancy) of San Francisco, CA, Larry (Georgia Yuan) of Northampton, MA, and Walter Jr. (Robin Van Meter) of Washington Court House, OH, and four grandchildren: James, Kimberley, Megan, & Zachary Meinert.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday 7 PM at the St. Peter and at Paul United Church of Christ 3001Queen City Avenue (Westwood) and a celebration of his life will be held on November 24, 2007. Memorials may be directed to The Shriners Hospitals for Children (3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229) and the Scholarship Fund of the Cincinnati Woman's Club (330 Lafayette Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45220). Dalbert, Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home serving the family.