"The Meyerhofer Family of Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio"
Chapter 19
DONALD CHARLES MEYERHOFER
NOVEMBER 04, 1939 - Living
Chapter 19
DONALD CHARLES MEYERHOFER
NOVEMBER 04, 1939 - Living
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Our Wedding Day
Saturday June 8, 1963 I married my high school sweetheart, Nancy Clare Wiles. We had a very small wedding at the old Methodist Church in Swanton, Ohio. In attendance were her parents Clarence and Myrtle Wiles, her sister Norma and her husband Jerry Thomas, a neighbor, Mrs. Arthur Ruggles, my father, step-mother, and half-brother Earl. A small reception was held at Nancy parents home. We moved to an apartment above the garage at the Blue Bell Ranch in Swanton, Ohio. Nancy worked as a bank teller at the Farmer and Merchants Bank in Swanton. I worked at Cable & Wire Products Company in Swanton, Ohio and attend classes at night at the University of Toledo Community College. I finally got a decent job as a blueprint operator at Dura Corporation in Toledo. I was paid $400.00 per month.
306 Chestnut, Swanton, Fulton Co., Ohio April 1965
We bought our first new car, a 1964 Pontiac Tempest. April 1965 we bought our first house at 306 Chestnut St., in Swanton for $8,000. Our first child, Kimberly Irene Meyerhofer was born May 30, 1965 at Toledo Hospital.
I was promoted to a Draftsman at Dura Corporation and continued my classes at night. Working and going to school nights, it took me four years to complete a two-year Junior College curriculum. My boss at worked advised me to further my education. At the age of twenty-eight, Nancy and I sold our house on Chestnut street. I quit my job at Dura Corporation and enrolled full time in the College of Engineering, University of Toledo. We lived for a short time at 24222 Utopia Street in Toledo. Nancy worked for the University physician and I received $150 per month from the GI Bill. This was one of the benefits of severing my country. I also held summer jobs at Champion Spark Plug Co. and the Sterling Milk Store while attending summer school.
I was promoted to a Draftsman at Dura Corporation and continued my classes at night. Working and going to school nights, it took me four years to complete a two-year Junior College curriculum. My boss at worked advised me to further my education. At the age of twenty-eight, Nancy and I sold our house on Chestnut street. I quit my job at Dura Corporation and enrolled full time in the College of Engineering, University of Toledo. We lived for a short time at 24222 Utopia Street in Toledo. Nancy worked for the University physician and I received $150 per month from the GI Bill. This was one of the benefits of severing my country. I also held summer jobs at Champion Spark Plug Co. and the Sterling Milk Store while attending summer school.
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1610 Campus Rd., University of Toledo
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College Senior Picture
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Kimberly, Todd, & Nancy Graduation Day
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We moved into married student housing at 610 Campus Road. Rent was $45.00 per month including gas and electric. We enrolled Kimberly in preschool. Engineering School was very difficult at times. Through perseverance, and a lot of support from Nancy, I graduated in four years, June 11, 1971 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I was the first Meyerhofer to graduate from College. Todd Charles Meyerhofer was born June 1, 1970, the beginning of my senior year. I interviewed for a job on campus and accepted a job with Ford Motor Company, Body Engineering Dearborn Michigan as an Interior Trim Design Engineer.
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10945 Pine Street, Taylor Michigan
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25222 Greenlawn, Taylor Michigan
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The family moved into a town house off Goddard Road, Taylor Michigan. My first two years at Ford were spent on the "College Training Program". I had six, four-month assignments in Interior Trim Systems, Trim Components, Computer Application, Sealing Design, and Resident Engineering at the Pilot Plant and Dearborn Assembly Plant (Home of the Mustang).
In 1972, Nancy and I bought our second house at 25222 Greenlawn, Taylor Michigan.
In 1972, Nancy and I bought our second house at 25222 Greenlawn, Taylor Michigan.
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We lived there for the next thirteen years. Nancy was busy raising the children. She tried to keep the children active. Kimberly took swim classes, member of the brownies / girl scouts, took dance lessons, and played softball. Kimberly attended Holland Elementary School, Taylor Center Junior High, and Harry S. Truman High School. Kimberly was very active in high school. She was member of the pom-pom squad, worked in the school office, played on the volleyball team, elected to the home coming court her senior year, bought her first car, a Escort EXP, and best of all, she was an outstanding student. She graduated from high school, Magna Cum Laude, seventh out of three hundred fifty students June 11,1983.
Senior High School Picture
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Pom-Pom Girl 3 Years
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Home Coming Court
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Kimberly chose to live at home and attend The University of Michigan at Dearborn after high school. Todd attended Holland elementary school and Christian Life Junior High School. He took swim lessons, played Tee-Ball, played little league baseball, soccer and joined the cub scouts.
I received a number of promotions at work. My main responsibilities were the design of luxury door trim panels for Lincoln, Mark IV, and Continental. I was responsible for design feasibility, drawings, tooling, and meeting cost, timing, and quality targets. My job required major interface with supplier and require a lot of travel throughout the United States. I also spent a lot of time on new vehicle launches in various Ford plants throughout the United States, including Wayne and Wixom Assembly in Michigan, Edison Assembly in New Jersey, St Louis Assembly in Missouri, and Norfolk Assembly in Virginia. In August 1984, I was requested to go to Australia to design interior trim for a new Australian Ford Falcon.
I received a number of promotions at work. My main responsibilities were the design of luxury door trim panels for Lincoln, Mark IV, and Continental. I was responsible for design feasibility, drawings, tooling, and meeting cost, timing, and quality targets. My job required major interface with supplier and require a lot of travel throughout the United States. I also spent a lot of time on new vehicle launches in various Ford plants throughout the United States, including Wayne and Wixom Assembly in Michigan, Edison Assembly in New Jersey, St Louis Assembly in Missouri, and Norfolk Assembly in Virginia. In August 1984, I was requested to go to Australia to design interior trim for a new Australian Ford Falcon.
Waiting for the Plane to Australia
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Australian home for two years Oct. 1984 thru Oct.1986
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With some reservation, October 1984 the whole family left the United States for a two-year Foreign Service assignment. This was a very important event for the whole family. It changed all our lives. It was to be the start of extensive travel throughout the world in the coming years. After an extended vacation in the Hawaiian Island and New Zealand the family settled in Heighton, Australia along the Barwon River. In Australia your 21st Birthday is a major celebration where everyone dresses up. Kimberly returned to the United States to continue her education at Michigan.
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Kim celebrating a friends birthday
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Geelong College
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Summer Uniform
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Winter Uniform
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Family Pet "Shelia" Aussie Cockatoo
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Nancy with Koala
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I worked at the Ford Product Design Office in Geelong, and the Ford Design Center in Melbourne. I designed the rear seat system for the Ford Falcon Sedan, Station Wagon, and the Luxury LTD. Kimberly traveled back to Australia for a two week vacation to Sydney, Gold Coast, and the Great Barrier Reef. She traveled around the World with a girl friend while returning to the Untied States. Kim returned for a second trip to Adelaide and Coober Pedy. She also spent some time in Fiji.
Graduation Picture
Kim graduated from The University of Michigan, December 1988 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Systems; Division of Interdisciplinary Studies. She was the second Meyerhofer to graduate from college.
Todd, Nancy and I traveled to Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on home leave. We traveled to Hong Kong before returning from Foreign Service to the United States in October 1986. We all enjoyed our Australian experience. It was a sad day to say good-by to our Australian friends. We left with a lifetime of fond memories.
We settled in Canton Michigan. Todd attended the eleventh and twelfth grade at Plymouth High School. He bought his first car, a Pontiac Ferro. He worked at Meier's while in High School.
Todd, Nancy and I traveled to Hawaii, Fiji, and New Zealand on home leave. We traveled to Hong Kong before returning from Foreign Service to the United States in October 1986. We all enjoyed our Australian experience. It was a sad day to say good-by to our Australian friends. We left with a lifetime of fond memories.
We settled in Canton Michigan. Todd attended the eleventh and twelfth grade at Plymouth High School. He bought his first car, a Pontiac Ferro. He worked at Meier's while in High School.
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Todd Charles Meyerhofer Senior High School Picture
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3223 Edmonton St., Rochester Hills, MI
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June 1988, Todd graduated from Plymouth High School, Wayne County, Michigan. In 1988, I was promoted to Supervisor and transferred to the Ford Chesterfield Trim Plant. We moved to 3223 Edmonton Street, Rochester Hills Michigan.
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Todd Meyerhofer in Dorm Room
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College Graduation
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Todd chose to attend Michigan State University in East Lansing Michigan. He left home to live in Wonder's Hall on campus. While attending college he worked for school maintenance. He spent one summer working in Dallas, Texas selling books. He bought a new 1992 Escort in 1991. Todd was the fourth Meyerhofer to graduate from College. He graduated May 6, 1994 from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Finance. Kimberly bought her first house and moved away from home.
In August 1991, Ford Motor Company needed a liaison Engineer between Ford of Europe and a Manufacturing Plant being built in Plonsk, Poland, near Warsaw. I left immediately for Brentwood, England. Nancy joined me in England May 1992 when I was placed on Foreign Service.
In August 1991, Ford Motor Company needed a liaison Engineer between Ford of Europe and a Manufacturing Plant being built in Plonsk, Poland, near Warsaw. I left immediately for Brentwood, England. Nancy joined me in England May 1992 when I was placed on Foreign Service.
2 Thomas Close Brentwood, Essex, England
We set up house at 2 Thomas Close Brentwood, Essex England. Nancy kept busy with all her new friends. We traveled all over England and took lots of mini cruises around Europe. Todd returned in the summer of 1992 for a European vacation. Nancy, Todd and I put the car on a ferry to cross the English Channel, put the car on a train and traveled overnight to Southern France, and traveled for sixteen day throughout Europe. We toured France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxemburg, Austria, and Belgium. Kimberly and Todd returned to England for Christmas in 1993. Spent most of our time in London either eating, sightseeing, or attending the theaters. All went to St Paul's Church for Christmas Eve Service.
I was given additional responsibilities at work. I transferred to the Averley Plant, Averley, England to supervise the manufacturing engineering staff.
I returned to the United States in February 1994 and started a new job. Ford decided to sell the Plonsk Polish Plant and get out of the seat business. Nancy returned to the United States in May 1994 after a two-week trip throughout England, Wales, and Scotland with her sister Norma and her husband Mike Herr. Nancy and I moved to 1290 Grandview Drive, Rochester Hills Michigan.
I was given additional responsibilities at work. I transferred to the Averley Plant, Averley, England to supervise the manufacturing engineering staff.
I returned to the United States in February 1994 and started a new job. Ford decided to sell the Plonsk Polish Plant and get out of the seat business. Nancy returned to the United States in May 1994 after a two-week trip throughout England, Wales, and Scotland with her sister Norma and her husband Mike Herr. Nancy and I moved to 1290 Grandview Drive, Rochester Hills Michigan.
1290 Grandview Drive, Rochester Hills Michigan
I returned to the same building where I started at Ford in 1971. By this time manufacturing plants were responsible for the design of the components we manufactured. I supervised the design of the Mustang, Econoline, and Thunderbird Door Trim Panels. I retired from Ford Motor Company January 1, 1997 after 25-1/2 years with Ford.
Chef Todd
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Culinary Institute of America
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Todd decided to go to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park New York to become a professional chef and left home. He graduated form the CIA on October 23, 1998.
Nancy was working at the Register's Office, Oakland University and doing health screening at various auto plants and offices. In May 1997 Nancy and I took our second auto trip out West. We visited all the National Parks in Utah, friends in Bellingham Washington, Napa Valley California wineries, Casinos in Reno & Lake Tahoe, and toured Salt Lake City. Between1998 and 2000, Nancy and I took trips to Las Vegas, Beijing China, Costa Rica, and San Diego California.
Nancy was working at the Register's Office, Oakland University and doing health screening at various auto plants and offices. In May 1997 Nancy and I took our second auto trip out West. We visited all the National Parks in Utah, friends in Bellingham Washington, Napa Valley California wineries, Casinos in Reno & Lake Tahoe, and toured Salt Lake City. Between1998 and 2000, Nancy and I took trips to Las Vegas, Beijing China, Costa Rica, and San Diego California.
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332 Kiyuga Way, Loudon, Tennessee
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Hurricane Deck Boat w/ 150HP Motor
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May 11, 2000 we moved to 332 Kiyuga Way, Loudon, Tennessee, in Tellico Village, a golf and boating retirement community. With all the water, I just had to buy a boat. Nancy and I pursued our hobbies, enjoyed many activities in the village and made lots of new friends. We made many trips north to Michigan to visit our children and granddaughter, Katarina. Eventually after our move to Tennessee, Kim and family moved to Ridgefield, Connecticut and Todd moved to Napa Valley, California.
Nancy joined the Ladies 18 Hole Golf League and played lots of bridge. I joined the Ford Retirees Club, Genealogy Club, Computer Club, and the Mens Golf Association. As time went by, our activities expanded. We joined our closest friend establishing a Monday Golf League, Dining Out Group, Happy Hour Group, and three Wine Tasting Groups. I was a long time Treasure of the Tellico Village Chapter of the American Wine Society. My favorite hobbies were Genealogy, Web Page Development and Gardening.
Nancy joined the Ladies 18 Hole Golf League and played lots of bridge. I joined the Ford Retirees Club, Genealogy Club, Computer Club, and the Mens Golf Association. As time went by, our activities expanded. We joined our closest friend establishing a Monday Golf League, Dining Out Group, Happy Hour Group, and three Wine Tasting Groups. I was a long time Treasure of the Tellico Village Chapter of the American Wine Society. My favorite hobbies were Genealogy, Web Page Development and Gardening.
Nancy and I Have Been Chairpersons for the Chatuga Neighborhood Garden Since 2001
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Our personal flower garden was my showpiece. I loved to see the surprise on people face when they walked into my backyard and saw my garden for the first time. I always said, "I don't want to see any dirt", although I spent a lot of time enriching the soil. I would describe my garden as an informal cottage garden with a tropical flare. Large plants, such as bamboo, banana, elephant ear and ferns were scattered among numerous perennials, bushes, and colorful annuals. My garden was replenished yearly by growing flowers from seed, propagation from cuttings, self-seeding, trading plants with friends, or buying plants.
Unfortunately, golf brought the worst out in me when my score went north and I lost my interest in golf. My contribution to the Tellico Village Men’s Golf Association was the development of the web site http://www.tvmga.com, w hich I updated weekly for many years.
Web site development was something I wanted to learn as an offshoot of my genealogy hobby. I was self taught. Eventually I development a number of web sites, meyerhofers.com, www.tnaws.org, bcaat.org, goodneighborsshoppe.org, goodsamloudoncounty.org, Mondaygolfleague.weebly.com, rawiles.weebly.com and normathomasherr.weebly.com
Nancy and I took our third motor trip out west. We packed the van with all Todd's belongings, he left at home, and took the southern route across the United States to Napa Valley, California. The purpose of the trip was to help Todd move into his new home and help with a few remodeling projects.
February 2011 Nancy and I joined the Community Church at Tellico Village. We attended church service weekly for many years. We volunteer as ushers, greeters, and worked in the church kitchen (Tellico Joe's).
To commemorate my years serving my country, which I am extremely proud, I purchased a brick at the Veteran’s Memorial located on the grounds of the church.
Unfortunately, golf brought the worst out in me when my score went north and I lost my interest in golf. My contribution to the Tellico Village Men’s Golf Association was the development of the web site http://www.tvmga.com, w hich I updated weekly for many years.
Web site development was something I wanted to learn as an offshoot of my genealogy hobby. I was self taught. Eventually I development a number of web sites, meyerhofers.com, www.tnaws.org, bcaat.org, goodneighborsshoppe.org, goodsamloudoncounty.org, Mondaygolfleague.weebly.com, rawiles.weebly.com and normathomasherr.weebly.com
Nancy and I took our third motor trip out west. We packed the van with all Todd's belongings, he left at home, and took the southern route across the United States to Napa Valley, California. The purpose of the trip was to help Todd move into his new home and help with a few remodeling projects.
February 2011 Nancy and I joined the Community Church at Tellico Village. We attended church service weekly for many years. We volunteer as ushers, greeters, and worked in the church kitchen (Tellico Joe's).
To commemorate my years serving my country, which I am extremely proud, I purchased a brick at the Veteran’s Memorial located on the grounds of the church.
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February, 2015, a friend helped me select a guitar and offered to give free guitar lessons. I always wanted to play a musical instrument. The last thing I needed was another hobby but, I really enjoyed playing the guitar.
My wife passed away July 19,2020. I cry everyday. I miss her so much. Both my children and I were with Nancy when she passed away. I took care of her at home for quite some time. She suffered from dementia. We were married 57wonderful years. I loved her and she loved me. My daughter and I had a memorial at the Community Church in Tellico Village, Tennessee. My guitar teacher, Nick Azelborn band played two song, "One Day at a Time" and "Amazon Grace" I will love her for infinity.
My wife passed away July 19,2020. I cry everyday. I miss her so much. Both my children and I were with Nancy when she passed away. I took care of her at home for quite some time. She suffered from dementia. We were married 57wonderful years. I loved her and she loved me. My daughter and I had a memorial at the Community Church in Tellico Village, Tennessee. My guitar teacher, Nick Azelborn band played two song, "One Day at a Time" and "Amazon Grace" I will love her for infinity.
