Myra Meeves & James Wittrock
From the 2006 Manning Quasquicentennial history book
Roland and Laurene Meeves
Back: Keith, Roland, Edward, Steven
Front: Bruce, Laurene, Rhonda
Roland Keith Meeves, son of John and Goldie C. M. (Stammer) Meeves was born December 9, 1935, in Manning, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm just north of Aspinwall, attending Aspinwall School through 8th grade. Roland attended high school in Manning, graduating in 1953. He farmed with his father and took over the family farm when John and Goldie moved to Manning in 1975. John passed away in November of 1980, and Goldie in April of 1990. Roland was also a member of the National Guard for several years.
On December 10, 1960, Roland was married to Laurene Carol Claussen of Schleswig, Iowa, daughter of Claus H. and Martha Emily (Meyer) Claussen. Laurene was born in Ida Grove and grew up in Schleswig, where her father was manager of Farmers Lumber & Grain Co. She graduated from Schleswig High School in 1958. Martha passed away in April of 1980, and Claus in July of 1996. Roland and Laurene farmed 4 miles north of Aspinwall until 1975 when they moved to the home place.
They have five children: Bruce and his wife Patty live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with their children, Amber, 5, and Taylor, 17; Keith and his wife Melanie Elter live in Mandan, North Dakota, with their children, Madison, 3, and Kayla, 15; Rhonda and her husband John Sandison live in Newtown, Connecticut, with their children, James, 6, and Skyeler, 4; Edward lives in Norfolk, Virginia; Steven and his wife Anita live in Hockley, Texas, with their children, Tyler Ann, 11, and Riley John, 1.
Roland and Laurene were active members of the Crawford County Pork Producers and Crawford County Porkettes, respectively. They were members for several years, taking part in many promotions and holding different offices. Roland also served on the Crawford County fair board for 12 years.
The whole family enjoyed riding horses and belonged to three different saddle clubs: Denison Silver Spurs, Manilla Rough Riders, and Manning Easy Riders. Many happy hours were spent on trail rides, at horse shows, and on many camp outs.
In 1993, Roland gave up farming due to health problems and started working at the Denison branch of Mauer Welding & Supply of Oskaloosa. He is still with them part time and also part time at the Aspinwall Co-op. Laurene has worked off-farm for many years, the last 6 at Farner-Bocken in Carroll. In 1993, Roland started a wood working hobby which has expanded through the years. He now specializes in doing intricate scroll saw pictures, and he and Laurene now do several craft shows each year demonstrating scroll sawing. Laurene puts the finishing touches on all craft projects.
1981 Centennial style show - Roland Meeves