Emil (Dick) Meinert was born on January 5, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York.

Dick proudly served in the United States Navy from 1951 - 1955 as an Aviation Electrician and Combat Aircrewman. He served in the Korean War with Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) and received the China Service Medal Ext, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal.

After the Navy, Dick headed to Washington state where he worked for Boeing while attending the University of Washington. While attending UW, he met and proposed to the love of his life, Sharon Barney. They married in 1960. This was the beginning of their adventure together which would lead them to raise 4 children, Mike, Sally, David and Ann Marie.

In 1961, he graduated from UW with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he worked for Western Electric in both Washington and California. He returned to Boeing in 1967. He was involved in the rollout of the 737 and his work at Boeing allowed him to enjoy worldwide travels. He worked directly with the Federal Aviation Administration and he advanced to hold the position of Chief of Airworthiness at Boeing.

After retiring in 1991, Dick performed contract work for Lockheed Martin. He coordinated with the Indonesian government on aircraft certification. This contract brought him to Indonesia where Sherry was also able to join him.

He came to know the Lord as his personal savior at a young age and his Christian faith remained strong throughout his life. He was active in various local churches throughout his life. He loved sharing time with family. The activity he enjoyed most was spending time on his boat with family and friends. His love of Puget Sound and boating is shared by every family member.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Therese Meinert, his sister Helga Smith Sanello and his brother William Paul "Bill" Meinert.

Dick is survived by his wife, Sherry, sons Michael and David (Kaitlyn Carl) and daughters Sally and Ann Marie Scott (Doug) 7 Grandchildren include Terra Gibson (Chris), Joshua (Heather), Mike Jr. (Ashley), Tyler (Courtney), Hunter Scott (Catherine), Logan Scott (Bridget) and Olympia. 6 Great Grandchildren, Will Avery, Lily and Cameron Gibson, Morgan, Zac and Kate Meinert.

Private family service at Tahoma National Cemetery in Maple Valley.