Meridie Ann Burger

Early in the morning on May 28th, 2023, the courageous Meridie Burger passed away at the age of 45. She is survived by her children Avelyn and Allison, her husband Jason, her parents Jack and Sheri Williams, her brother Keith (Amber) Williams, her niece Corbin, and grandmother Jackie Williams. The family will host a private service and celebration of life. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa on her behalf.

Meridie was born Thanksgiving Day on November 24, 1977 at Mitchell County Hospital in Osage, Iowa to Jack and Sheri Williams. Her brother Keith was born five years later. Meridie attended kindergarten at Washington Elementary in Osage, grades 1-6 in Grinnell, and the remainder of middle school in Knoxville. When Meridie was 15, the family moved to Waukee, Iowa, where she graduated in 1996.

From a young age, Meridie demonstrated a talent for music. She showed exceptional proficiency with the French horn, playing for both the Des Moines Youth Chamber Players and the Greater Des Moines Youth Symphony. She was selected for All State in the instrument four years in a row, sitting first chair in both the band and orchestra. She was also a gifted pianist. In high school, Meridie was captain of the volleyball team, a state participant in tennis, and a member of the softball and basketball teams. Her senior year of high school, she was the drum major of the marching band. On top of the various activities she was involved in, Meridie was highly intelligent and a member of the Waukee National Honor Society.

During her first year in Waukee in 1993, Meridie and Jason started their 30-year long relationship. On July 21st, 2001, the pair got married at St. Boniface Church. They were each other's best friends and confidants.

Meridie attended the University of Northern Iowa from 1996 to 2000, graduating with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in French Horn Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication-Electronic Media. During college, Meridie worked at the UNI radio station and recorded concerts for the music department.

After graduation, she worked in various capacities in the insurance industry. In 2002, she had her eldest daughter, Avelyn. Two years later, she had Allison. She was the nucleus of the family, organizing everyone’s schedules, attending almost every softball game and gymnastics meet, and ensuring everyone had what they needed.

Meridie was survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by grandparents Franklyn and Marilyn Back Buseman, grandfather Lee Williams, and uncle Harley Nuehring.

Meridie’s magnetism, positivity, and grace will be missed. Yet, in the end, it was better to have known and loved her than to have never met her.

Arrangements made by Iles Westover Chapel.