Donald Meyer ’57, professor emeritus of mathematics at Central College, died Dec. 17, 2020, in Pella, Iowa. He was 85.
A native of Bristow, Iowa, Meyer earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Central. While there, Meyer met the love of his life, Mildred (Millie) Ratmeyer ’57. They were united in marriage in 1957 and have three children: Timothy Meyer ’85, Susan Meyer Brown ’86 and Sara Meyer Phillips ’88.
After graduation, Meyer earned a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He returned to Pella and began his teaching career at Central in 1963. Meyer served as the mathematics and computer science department chair for 18 years, splitting his time between research and teaching. He retired in 1999.
Meyer’s honors include the Outstanding Faculty Performance Award (1984), numerous National Science Foundation grants for research, the Mathematical Association of America’s Certificate of Meritorious Service (1996) and Central’s 2004 Professor Emeritus of Mathematics. He served on the MAA Board of Governors and was the founding editor of the Iowa Section of the MAA newsletter. Meyer helped create the general studies major at Central.
The Donald V. Meyer Mathematics Scholarship was created by family to provide need-based aid to students majoring in math or computer science.
Meyer is survived by his wife, Millie, their children, five grandchildren and numerous family members.
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