Joy Kathryn “Kate” Meyer, 75, of Arenzville, Illinois, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026, at her home. She was born June 13, 1951, the daughter of John and Olive (Billbe) Jurgens. She married Bernard “Bernie” Meyer on September 4, 1994, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and he survives.

Kate is also survived by her stepchildren, Neal (Kelly) Meyer, Christian (Meghan) Meyer, Cory (Megan) Meyer; step-grandchildren, Ryker, Kenzie, Addison, and Colter Meyer, all of Arenzville. She is also survived by her brother, Carl (Linda) Jurgens of rural Louisville, Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Tracy, John, Paul, and Daniel (Jade) Jurgens, as well as great nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a stepdaughter, Allison Meyer.

Kate worked as a nurse at several locations, but she favored her time spent in Phoenix, Arizona, before she finished her career at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. Kate and Bernie were proud members of the Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, where they attended for over 10 years. Kate enjoyed singing in the Our Redemer Lutheran Church Choir. She also enjoyed reading a wide variety of books, watching the cooking channel and trying new recipes from her library of cookbooks. She also loved her flower garden, and working at the Farmer’s Market with Bernie, selling fruits and vegetables, especially tomatoes, sweet corn, and watermelon.

A funeral service will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1 PM. The family will meet with friends from 12 noon, until the service. There will also be a night before visitation at Salem Lutheran from 5 - 7 PM on Thursday, October 1. Memorial donations are suggested to the Salem Lutheran Church and School, or to the Allison Meyer Memorial Scholarship. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.