Former Fox Lake mayor, police chief Meier dies

Frank Meier was described by family members and friends as a lifelong Fox Lake resident with a witty sense of humor who loved life in a small town.

Meier, who was a successful business owner, former police chief, trustee and mayor, died Wednesday at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. He was 80 years old.

Meier moved to Fox Lake shortly after meeting and marrying his wife Vivian in 1951.

His law enforcement career began as a Fox Lake police officer before he joined the Illinois State Police as a trooper. Meier went on to serve as a deputy with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, before coming full circle and serving for two years as the police chief of Fox Lake.

“He was the type of guy who really worked hard, but was always upbeat with a great sense of humor,” said Fox Lake Police Chief Mike Behan. “The department is definitely mourning the loss of Frank. We are proud to call him a fellow officer and a friend.”

In 1962, Meier started a fencing company called Meier's Masterbilt at Grand Avenue and Rollins Road. Years later, the businesses expanded to become Meier's Outdoor World on Sayton Road.

Steve Meier, who worked alongside his father for many years, said his father truly loved Fox Lake.

“He really loved the small town feel when he first moved here,” Steve Meier said. “And the boating. He loved the boating.”

Meier eventually went on to serve as a Fox Lake village board trustee, before winning and serving as mayor from 1989 until 1993. Meier also served a stint as the president of the Grant Township Republican's Club.

He is survived by his wife, his eight children, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at K.K. Hamsher Funeral Home, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Road, Fox Lake.

Meier's funeral is set for 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bede Catholic Church, 36455 N. Wilson Road, Ingleside. Entombment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville immediately following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be sent to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 570 Lake Cook Road, Suite 116, Deerfield.

“My dad was really well liked, and was such an outgoing guy,” Steve Meier said. “He was always interested in trying to make the town better.”