Paul Meismer Obituary

Rev. Paul J. Meismer
Born: June 7, 1943
Died: August 10, 2025
Rev. Paul J. Meismer, 82, of rural Granville, IL, went to his heavenly reward on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, August 16th, at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) in Spring Valley. The Most Reverend Bishop Louis Tylka, Bishop of Peoria, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Spring Valley. A visitation for Fr. Paul will be held Friday evening, August 15th, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the Barto Funeral Home (120 W. Cleveland St.) in Spring Valley. Additional visitation will be held Saturday morning, at the church, from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services.
Fr. Paul was born on June 7, 1943 to Ralph H. and Mary C. (Sutcliffe) Meismer. In 1969, he was ordained a priest of the Peoria Diocese on his birthday by Bishop Franz at St. Mary's Cathedral. "Padre Paul" faithfully served the people of God over the 42 years of active ministry in many locations: Peru, Arlington, Dimmick, Delevan, Hopedale, Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, Sheffield, Cambridge, Wyanet, Spring Valley, and Cherry. After receiving Senior Status, Fr. Paul helped in various parishes as a weekend substitute in Germantown Hills, Metamora, Roanoke, Walnut, and Ohio.
Fr. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Jerry, as well as his long-time coworker, Ladyne Huhn.
He leaves behind, for the time being, his sister, Margie Barnes and Barry Cassano; his brother, Kevin (Melanie) Meismer; sister-in-law, Sue Meismer; nephews and niece; and many close friends and former parishioners.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Bede Academy, 24 W US HWY 6, Peru, IL 61354 (https://www.st-bede.com/give-now), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared by visiting bartofh.com.
Fr. Paul wants everyone to know that he will be awaiting your arrival when you are called HOME. Meanwhile, "God Bless You All!" Amen.