Joel Nelson Meyer, 65, of rural Galena passed away on Thursday, June 24^th, 2021 at home from lymphoma.  Joel was born on January 9th, 1956 to Robert and Marilyn Meyer. He grew up on a farm near Everly, IA and graduated from Everly High School in 1974.  He married Mary Taylor on May 3rd, 1980.

Joel spent much of his life crafting with wood. His carpentry skills came from building houses with his father.  Joel opened his own picture-framing business in Spencer, IA in 1980. After moving to Galena in 1984, Joel opened his woodworking business on Bouthillier Street, where Otto’s Place is currently located. For the next several years, he built furniture, repaired antiques, and remodeled local homes and businesses.  In 1988, he and Mary built their house in rural Galena, where Joel not only framed the house, but crafted all the woodwork and cabinets.

In 2001, Joel started work at the Floor Show in Dubuque as a furniture service technician. Work sent him to homes all around the Tri-State area. He retired in 2019.

In his free time, Joel enjoyed making furniture and smaller items for family and friends, and was very generous with his time when anyone needed his help and expertise.  He also enjoyed reading nonfiction, listening to a wide variety of music, and just spending time with family and friends.

Joel is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary; two daughters: Kim Meyer of Austin, TX, and Melissa Meyer of New Hampton, IA; his brother Jeff (Cathy) Meyer of Westside, IA, and his sister Jennifer (Jim McLaughlin) Meyer of Bellevue, NE. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Laura (Bill) Lloyd of Johnston, IA and several nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marilyn Meyer; father- and mother-in-law, Glen and Marylee Taylor; and brothers-in-law Joel Taylor and Chuck Taylor.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Hospice of Dubuque for their care and guidance.

Family and friends are invited to stop in at the Scales Mound Town Hall between 4 and 7 PM on Sunday, July 18th, 2021 for a friendship gathering in memory of Joel.