Larry J. "Lj" Meyers

A born educator, former Principal Larry J. “LJ” Meyers of Lake Carroll, Illinois passed away Monday, January 16, 2023 at home in the loving care of his family, with support of FHN Hospice. To honor his life a Mass of Christian burial will be held 12 noon Friday, January 20, 2023 at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon, Illinois. Visitation will be 10 am – 12 noon Friday, prior to the Mass at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon. Law Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A visitation will also be held in Westchester, Illinois 10 am – 12 noon Saturday at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, followed by a committal service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.

Larry was born February 1, 1936, in Elgin, IL, the son of John and Gladys (Van Dusen) Meyers. He grew up in Burlington, IL, where he graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1954. He excelled as an athlete and a student, earning his way to the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. During his time at the University of Illinois, Larry played collegiate football and served in the United States Army National Guard.

He then began his educational career, joining District 92 ½ of Westchester, IL. He began his career teaching physical education, English, history, and health. After eight years of service as a teacher, and after earning his Master’s in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University, Larry embarked on his storied career as an administrator; which included 13 years as Middle School Principal, 13 years as K-8 Principal, and two years as Assistant Principal.

When a person’s personality, skill set, and drive intersect perfectly with a career path, beautiful results take shape. Something to which those who were fortunate enough to work alongside, or study under the direction and leadership of Principal Meyers, can attest to this day. “He just relates so beautifully with people and has such instincts for his job as principal – he’s just such a natural,” his former superintendent once said. Larry just knew how to reach people; students, parents, and teachers, alike. He flooded those in his world with respect, love, and appreciation. He was a true leader and a role model who made the education of our youth his personal mission in life.

For 28 years, Principal Meyers organized 8th grade graduation trips to Washington DC which he would enthusiastically lead. His students knew to follow the man in the red flat hat, as they made their way through our historic capital. Once after witnessing a student help a fallen student to his feet, Principal Meyers coined the school slogan, “Winners pick up, losers put down.” He was the kind of man who saw greatness in his students, and wasn’t going to let that greatness go unfulfilled.

Larry brought the same integrity and leadership into his home. On June 28, 1980, Larry married Mercedes (Joyce) Schmieder and they brought together a blended family of six children. He was a loving patriarch and a noble husband and father. Larry was a creative story teller while always offering an incredible sense of humor. He was a member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon, Illinois.

Larry will be dearly missed by his wife, Mercedes of Lake Carroll; six children, David (Clara) Meyers of Phoenixville, PA, Lisa (Greg) Dick of Mabank, TX, Mike Schmieder of Shannon, IL, Dan (Sharon) Schmieder of Glen Ellyn, IL, Gayle (Jerry) Jegglie of Lisle, IL, and Bob Schmieder of Lake Carroll; two former daughters-in-law, Gloria Schmieder of Shannon and Holly Schmieder of Tampa, FL; 18 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys.