Went to join his Heavenly Father on January 22, 2023. Don was born on July 23, 1933 in Brazeau, Missouri to Ella Marie and Otto Joseph Miesner. He was a man of God and passionate about sharing His word.
He earned two bachelor’s degrees from St. Paul Concordia, Missouri. He earned three master degrees; Masters of Divinity and Theology from Concordia Seminary, Missouri and Master of Arts in Education from Washington University. He received a degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Very few people knew the Bible and God’s word like Don. He was a professor of Religion, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek and specialized in the New Testament. He was a teacher and mentor to hundreds of future ministers for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and served the ministry for 60 years. He invested over 41 years at Concordia College in Bronxville New York as a professor, department head, the DELTO Coordinator, and Atlantic District Vice President, and three years as the Principal for Concordia Prep School. He preached over 100 services withing the New York City area including the Bronx, Queens, Westchester, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He was an adjunct preacher for 12 years at his home church of The Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville. He was also the senior pastor at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Harlem, New York for three years while helping them find their forever minister.
In 1991, Don was selected as a Fulbright scholar to study Islam in Pakistan for six weeks. After his “retirement”, Don went on as an adjunct professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 2001-2008, served as an elder of St. John’s Church Ellisville, MO (now called Pathway), and led dozens of Bible study groups at the church.
In 2011, Don wrote the book Keys to Revelation released by Concordia Publishing and available on amazon designed to help people better understand the last book of the Bible. https://www.amazon.com/Keys-Revelation-Donald-R-Miesner/dp/0758634137/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UBJG5Z4AIBFU&keywords=The+keys+to+revelation&qid=1673975986&sprefix=the+keys+to+revelation%2Caps%2C2994&sr=8-1
Don was driven by his faith and family. He dedicated his entire life to sharing God’s word and bringing it to life – through the classroom, his several tour groups he led through the Holy Lands, his mentorship as a pastoral advisor for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), and his day to day as a Christian role model.
He and his wife, Willie raised their three girls in Bronxville, New York. In 2001, he retired in St. Louis to be closer to his nine siblings and his thirty+ nephews and nieces. First living in Ballwin before moving to Laclede Groves in 2010. Is his spare time, Don loved bowling, shuffleboard, card games, and cheering on his favorite St. Louis Cardinals.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Clint, Gib, Elmer, Bill and Ed, and his sister Lily Oches. Don is survived by his wife Willie of 61 years, their daughters Lori Lucas (Victor), Dr. Judy Miesner (Tom Macedo), and Ami Anderson (Scott), and three grandchildren Corey Miesner, Cole and Tess Anderson and his sisters Vera Ruesler, Ruthann Shannon, and Arlene Lohmann.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Don’s name to the Village Lutheran Church, Bronxville, New York. Village Lutheran Church (vlc-ny.org).
A memorial service and celebration of Don’s life will be held on February 18 at 11:00 AM at Laclede Groves Chapel 723 South Laclede Station Road, St. Louis. A luncheon with follow the service.
I am sorry to hear of his passing, I knew Don and Willie at VLC for many years. Love to and prayers for the family at this difficult time.
I am sorry to hear of his passing, I knew Don and Willie at VLC for many years. Love to and prayers for the family at this difficult time.
My sympathies to the Miesner family.
My sympathies to the Miesner family.
Rest in peace dear uncle. We will miss your smile, we will miss your charm, and we will miss your wit. How fortunate we were to have had you as a part of our lives.
Rest in peace dear uncle. We will miss your smile, we will miss your charm, and we will miss your wit. How fortunate we were to have had you as a part of our lives.
Lifting the family in prayers at this difficult time. He was a beloved professor, and I treasure my memories of his New Testament course so many years ago!
Lifting the family in prayers at this difficult time. He was a beloved professor, and I treasure my memories of his New Testament course so many years ago!
Dr. Miesner is a man who walked out his faith well. People who had the opportunity to know him were better for it.
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Willie Miesner, their 3 wonderful daughters Lori, Judy and Ami. And the entire family….
Dr. Miesner is a man who walked out his faith well. People who had the opportunity to know him were better for it.
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Willie Miesner, their 3 wonderful daughters Lori, Judy and Ami. And the entire family….
My professor; my colleague; my friend. Vale, amicus.
And, Willie, may our Lord be with you and the rest of the family in special ways during these days.
My professor; my colleague; my friend. Vale, amicus.
And, Willie, may our Lord be with you and the rest of the family in special ways during these days.
My prayers and sincere sympathy for the Miesner family.
My prayers and sincere sympathy for the Miesner family.
My condolences to you, Willie, and thanks to God for Don’s faithful service to the ministry of Christ. I count myself privileged to have been a colleague of his at Concordia for 20 years, and remember his sunny disposition and gentle but strong leadership.
My condolences to you, Willie, and thanks to God for Don’s faithful service to the ministry of Christ. I count myself privileged to have been a colleague of his at Concordia for 20 years, and remember his sunny disposition and gentle but strong leadership.
Don was a remarkable man. A scholar, a teacher, a role model and a friend. I will treasure his memory.
My condolences to Willie, his children and grandchildren.
Blessings
Don was a remarkable man. A scholar, a teacher, a role model and a friend. I will treasure his memory.
My condolences to Willie, his children and grandchildren.
Blessings
I was saddened to read of the passing of my longtime friend and mentor. I remember fondly the trip to the Holy Land where Don was the sponsor. He was always there to listen and provide moral support. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. God bless you Willie and your 3 wonderful daughters.
I was saddened to read of the passing of my longtime friend and mentor. I remember fondly the trip to the Holy Land where Don was the sponsor. He was always there to listen and provide moral support. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. God bless you Willie and your 3 wonderful daughters.
My sincere condolences to you, Willie and your girls…we had some great memories in Bronxville with Don throughout Concordia, Bronxville and with you, Willie, as Erica’s teacher at Chapel School…
We continue to treasure your friendship and we hope that we meet again someday. Miss receiving your Christmas general letters! Love and hugs to all of you!
My sincere condolences to you, Willie and your girls…we had some great memories in Bronxville with Don throughout Concordia, Bronxville and with you, Willie, as Erica’s teacher at Chapel School…
We continue to treasure your friendship and we hope that we meet again someday. Miss receiving your Christmas general letters! Love and hugs to all of you!
Don stands out in my memory as a bright ray of sunshine on a daily basis, positive and energized in the Gospel of Jesus for all the world to see. Especially to me in his many years at Concordia, Bronxville and Village Lutheran, the Spirit worked through Don in home, family, church and vocation to bring light and life. What an incredible team at that time in the Concordia religion department!
Willie, to you and your entire family, the peace that passes all understanding guide and keep you in these days in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection and the Life, who is Chriist
Don stands out in my memory as a bright ray of sunshine on a daily basis, positive and energized in the Gospel of Jesus for all the world to see. Especially to me in his many years at Concordia, Bronxville and Village Lutheran, the Spirit worked through Don in home, family, church and vocation to bring light and life. What an incredible team at that time in the Concordia religion department!
Willie, to you and your entire family, the peace that passes all understanding guide and keep you in these days in the sure and certain hope of the Resurrection and the Life, who is Chriist
Don was our Delto coordinator from 1996-2001 when he retired and moved back to St. Louis. He also was our Greek professor and mentor. For us during our Seminary training he was our solid rock and foundation. And those of us who made it through will forever be grateful to this inspirational man of God.
For me personally, I owe my opportunity to serve in Christ’s church these past 20 years to my namesake Don. (though to me he was always Dr. Meisner) He opened the door to the joy that comes from being deeply involved with the Word of God.
My deepest condolences to his family on the passing of this gifted disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Don was our Delto coordinator from 1996-2001 when he retired and moved back to St. Louis. He also was our Greek professor and mentor. For us during our Seminary training he was our solid rock and foundation. And those of us who made it through will forever be grateful to this inspirational man of God.
For me personally, I owe my opportunity to serve in Christ’s church these past 20 years to my namesake Don. (though to me he was always Dr. Meisner) He opened the door to the joy that comes from being deeply involved with the Word of God.
My deepest condolences to his family on the passing of this gifted disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Don stands tall in my life’s journey. When I first came to Concordia in 1979, Don was there to show me the ropes. He always had a smile and a warm greeting whenever you encountered him. The monicker “Scholar and a gentleman” was coined with Don in mind. I, along with many others, mourn his loss. Wliilie, i pray that the grief of the loss is overshadowed by the joy of having him in your life for 61 years.
Don stands tall in my life’s journey. When I first came to Concordia in 1979, Don was there to show me the ropes. He always had a smile and a warm greeting whenever you encountered him. The monicker “Scholar and a gentleman” was coined with Don in mind. I, along with many others, mourn his loss. Wliilie, i pray that the grief of the loss is overshadowed by the joy of having him in your life for 61 years.
I will always remember my first job after graduating from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska. I was called to teach at Concordia Prep in Bronxville, NY, and my first “boss” was Don Miesner. He was the Principal of the Prep and I know he had a lot to do with hiring me to teach Biology, Earth Science, Phys Ed and Coaching. For four years I worked with a great leader of men. After the Prep closed, many of us, like Don and myself moved into the faculty with the College at Bronxville. For numerous years, (and I mean A LOT!) Don and I served on the faculty until his retirement. Frankly it was a great honor to work with Don– a dedicated Leader and Educator for our church family here in Bronxville and beyond. It is heartwarming to reflect on the many students’ minds and lives he influenced.
Willie (a proud and beautiful Canadian), Lori, Judy, Ami and all of your loved ones, our hearts go out to you at this time of loss. But knowing that we all will be reunited in the glory of the cross one day, gives great comfort AND joy.
Cathie joins me in sending our love and condolences.
Gerald (Gerry) Fuhrmann
I will always remember my first job after graduating from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska. I was called to teach at Concordia Prep in Bronxville, NY, and my first “boss” was Don Miesner. He was the Principal of the Prep and I know he had a lot to do with hiring me to teach Biology, Earth Science, Phys Ed and Coaching. For four years I worked with a great leader of men. After the Prep closed, many of us, like Don and myself moved into the faculty with the College at Bronxville. For numerous years, (and I mean A LOT!) Don and I served on the faculty until his retirement. Frankly it was a great honor to work with Don– a dedicated Leader and Educator for our church family here in Bronxville and beyond. It is heartwarming to reflect on the many students’ minds and lives he influenced.
Willie (a proud and beautiful Canadian), Lori, Judy, Ami and all of your loved ones, our hearts go out to you at this time of loss. But knowing that we all will be reunited in the glory of the cross one day, gives great comfort AND joy.
Cathie joins me in sending our love and condolences.
Gerald (Gerry) Fuhrmann
Don was a great friend to his classmates at St. Paul’s Lutheran High School and College in Concordia, MO. We got to know him through school reunions and family visits. There were always a good number of “boys” from the Perry County area that found their way into the ministry via SPLHS. There are already a number of bunk mates from that class who will enjoy their forever reunion.
Don was a great friend to his classmates at St. Paul’s Lutheran High School and College in Concordia, MO. We got to know him through school reunions and family visits. There were always a good number of “boys” from the Perry County area that found their way into the ministry via SPLHS. There are already a number of bunk mates from that class who will enjoy their forever reunion.
Don was a classmate, a fellow Perry County resident, and good friend to my father Rev. Roy W Bingenheimer who died in the Lord on January 17th. My father was always grateful for the academic help he received from Dr. Donald Rufus Miesner. This class was a tight-knit class.
Don was a classmate, a fellow Perry County resident, and good friend to my father Rev. Roy W Bingenheimer who died in the Lord on January 17th. My father was always grateful for the academic help he received from Dr. Donald Rufus Miesner. This class was a tight-knit class.
His classes were always so early and he was always so energetic, even at that hour! He was kind and so knowledgeable. Rest easy in Jesus.
His classes were always so early and he was always so energetic, even at that hour! He was kind and so knowledgeable. Rest easy in Jesus.
Dr. Meisner was one of my favorite professors at Bronxville. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family.
Dr. Meisner was one of my favorite professors at Bronxville. I am saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers for his family.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors snd their works follow them. Celebrate and give thanks, I am. Prayers for the family and friends in God’s Grace.
Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they rest from their labors snd their works follow them. Celebrate and give thanks, I am. Prayers for the family and friends in God’s Grace.
Pastor Donald Miesner was my Latin teacher at Concordia Prep, Bronxvillle, NY between 196o and 1964. He was a kind patient and affirming instructor. Pastor Miesner helped me with my self-confidence and maturity, enabling me to eventually continue on to earn Bachelors and Masters degrees and make a positive difference in the lives of others via my employment in the public and private sectors.. Pastor Donald Miesner saw my potential. which enabled me to see the potential of others. That made all the difference in the world.
I thank God that Pastor Miesner was there when it mattered most.
With deep appreciation,
Former student and benefactor of Pr,Don;s trust and grace
Peter Pavlacka
Pastor Donald Miesner was my Latin teacher at Concordia Prep, Bronxvillle, NY between 196o and 1964. He was a kind patient and affirming instructor. Pastor Miesner helped me with my self-confidence and maturity, enabling me to eventually continue on to earn Bachelors and Masters degrees and make a positive difference in the lives of others via my employment in the public and private sectors.. Pastor Donald Miesner saw my potential. which enabled me to see the potential of others. That made all the difference in the world.
I thank God that Pastor Miesner was there when it mattered most.
With deep appreciation,
Former student and benefactor of Pr,Don;s trust and grace
Peter Pavlacka
I send my sincere condolences to Willie, Lori, Judy and Ami. As best friends with Lori growing up in Bronxville, Dr. Miesner was always so kind to me. I will always remember how he brought me and Lori with him to Harlem to preach. He welcomed me into his home when I came over to visit Lori and said goodbye to me with the words: “Peace and love!” He was a great father to my dear friend Lori and an inspiration to me in my faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, with Whom he now rests in Heaven. Peace and love eternally!
I send my sincere condolences to Willie, Lori, Judy and Ami. As best friends with Lori growing up in Bronxville, Dr. Miesner was always so kind to me. I will always remember how he brought me and Lori with him to Harlem to preach. He welcomed me into his home when I came over to visit Lori and said goodbye to me with the words: “Peace and love!” He was a great father to my dear friend Lori and an inspiration to me in my faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, with Whom he now rests in Heaven. Peace and love eternally!
My heartfelt condolences to your family at the passing of Dr. Donald Miesner. My dad, Roy Bingenheimer always spoke with great affection about Don and their time together in Perry County, at St. Paul, and the seminary. He was always thrilled to receive Christmas cards and any correspondence from Dr. Miesner. What a beautiful friendship and admiration they had for one another. Now they are home in the Lord. Peace to all his family.
My heartfelt condolences to your family at the passing of Dr. Donald Miesner. My dad, Roy Bingenheimer always spoke with great affection about Don and their time together in Perry County, at St. Paul, and the seminary. He was always thrilled to receive Christmas cards and any correspondence from Dr. Miesner. What a beautiful friendship and admiration they had for one another. Now they are home in the Lord. Peace to all his family.
Rev. Professor Don and Willie Miesner were good friends to Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School and to me and my family. The are deeply missed and admired as true servants of Christ and faithful friends in the Lord. As Don has gone to be with the Lord, we keep Willie in our prayers and hearts. Lots of love and good thoughts coming your way, dear Willie.
Rev. Professor Don and Willie Miesner were good friends to Village Lutheran Church and The Chapel School and to me and my family. The are deeply missed and admired as true servants of Christ and faithful friends in the Lord. As Don has gone to be with the Lord, we keep Willie in our prayers and hearts. Lots of love and good thoughts coming your way, dear Willie.