Meredith L. Gieseler

Meredith Louise Gieseler (nee Fletcher), born July 25, 1942, in Bay City, Michigan, and resident of Palatine, IL since 1969. At 83 years old, she passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Barrington, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine IL 60067. Interment will be private at a later date.

Meredith was the beloved wife of James W. Gieseler; loving mother of 5 children: Marinelle Glickauf (Scott), James Gieseler (Devonna), Susan Luanna Gieseler (deceased), Deirdre Pugh (Jeremy, deceased), and Carol Bellinder (Ed); and loving grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Jeremiah Pugh, AJ Glickauf, Abigail Dyer (Brock), Elora Foley (Logan), Brook Burtnett (Peter), Caroline Glickauf, Owen Gieseler, Bradley Bellinder, Leah Pugh, Brian Glickauf, Kyle Bellinder, and Madeline Pugh: loving great-grandmother to: Brielle Burtnett and Eiley Foley.

Meredith was preceded in death by her father and mother: Fred and Mary Edith (nee Fluckey) Fletcher, her sister, Susan Overholt, son-in-law, Jeremy Pugh, daughter, Susan Luanna Gieseler.

Meredith grew up in Midland Michigan with her sister, Susan and brother, Fredrick in a tight-knit neighborhood they called F.B.I; Fletchers, Bass and Irish families. Playing in the woods behind their homes and forming lifelong friendships and memories that she held dear throughout her life.

She attended Michigan State University, and by God’s design, she met the Gieseler family. Meredith was roommates with Janet Gieseler, who introduced her to her brother, Jim. Their love story began there. Meredith and Jim were married on June 20, 1964, in Midland, Michigan, at the First Presbyterian Church, shortly after Meredith graduated from college.

As a wife and mother, Meredith devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. Her love extended beyond her household to her extended family, friends, and community. She found joy in music, swimming, nature, traveling, especially visits back to Michigan, watching sports, and her involvement with the Palatine Women’s Club, United Methodist Women, Bible studies including FROGS and Higher Grounds, and the First United Methodist Church Choir.

Meredith never missed a music recital, sporting event, play, or activity involving her children or grandchildren. She was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional love.

Music was one of Meredith’s lifelong passions. A gifted viola player, she performed with the Michigan State University Orchestra and later with various orchestras in Illinois, most notably the Harper College Symphony Orchestra. She also shared her love of classical music as the beloved “Music Mom” at Virginia Lake Elementary School, where she introduced students to classical composers and their music.

Meredith’s love of swimming spanned decades. A nationally awarded swimmer on a Masters Swim Team, she also taught swimming at the Buehler YMCA for 25 years, helping children and adults alike build confidence and skills in the water.

Her heart for service extended into education as well. Meredith served for more than 15 years as a teacher’s aide at Palatine High School, supporting physically and mentally disabled students with patience, compassion, and dedication.

Meredith Louise Gieseler will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, unwavering devotion to her family, and her lifelong commitment to serving and uplifting others. Her legacy of love, music, faith, and service lives on in all who knew her. Her encouraging spirit and love of life were grounded in her faith. She lived with hope, joy, and quiet strength, trusting in the promise of Scripture: “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of eternal joy” (Psalm 16:11).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: First United Methodist Church of Palatine Memorial Fund 123 Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL 60067