Chad James Meinert

August 23, 1975 ~ November 19, 2021

Chad J. Meinert, 46, Brandon, SD, died Friday, November 19, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by family and clergy. His sense of humor and love for the Lord, and his family, was witnessed until his last breath was taken. 

Visitation, with family present, will begin at 10:30am, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at New Oak Christian Church, (308 W. 37^th St) Sioux Falls, with Memorial Services beginning at 1:00pm.  A reception is scheduled for Saturday, after the service, at Fernson Brewery (1400 E. Robur Dr.) Sioux Falls, SD, from 3-5pm.

Chad James Meinert was born on August 23, 1975, to James and Rebecca Meinert of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.  Chad grew up on the family farm with his parents and his brother Ryan.  They enjoyed many road trips together including a trip to the World’s Fair in New Orleans. Through school, Chad was a member of many clubs and was in a couple of theatre plays.  Chad loved to sing and show his acting talents. The world was his stage, even in High School.   Chad worked in a grocery store in Sleepy Eye and then worked for Kraft Foods in New Ulm for many years.  Upon graduation, Chad enrolled in college at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN.  His major was Communication Studies- Radio / TV. 

It was while in college, Chad met Jen Ackerman.  While their connection was not instant…it didn’t take long for the two of them to fall in love.  They dated for 2.5 years and then Chad asked her to be his bride.  Chad and Jen were married in June of 1999.  They welcomed their son, Hunter, in September 2001.  Chad, Jen, and Hunter have built their home and their lives in Brandon SD for the past 20 years. 

Chad was employed with Citibank.  He loved to help people.  He strived for excellence and great customer service with every interaction he had.  He built many strong relationships and friendships with coworkers and teammates.  He loved working at home and enjoyed his early morning schedule.  He was dedicated, committed, and truly loved what he did. 

Outside of work, Chad enjoyed life to the fullest.  Chad enjoyed many nights talking about and drinking his favorite Schell’s beer.  He made it a goal to taste many different craft beers from all over the nation.  He went on brewery tours on every family vacation we took and enjoyed comparing them to others. Chad loved cooking, smoking meats, and canning spicy asparagus.  He enjoyed every aspect of cooking.  He decided to turn his love for cooking into a part-time career and became a Pampered Chef Consultant.

Chad also developed a love for bowling as Hunter was on the BV High School Bowling Team.  Chad loved the sport so much that he became one of the coaches for the team and has continued with coaching even after Hunter’s graduation. 

Being a husband and father was a priority for Chad.  He loved to watch movies, play card games, and spend time with Jen and Hunter at every opportunity.  Chad was the driver on many family road trips.  Trips included Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Vegas, and Montana.  Our last family trip was so special as Jim (Chad’s dad) was able to come with us for the week.  Chad commented that this was his favorite trip of all time because he was able to be with his dad.  Chad and Jen renewed their vows on a trip to Antigua in 2019.  This was a trip of a lifetime and helped Chad and Jen to dream of retiring on a beach while operating a beach-front smoked meats stand. 

Chad was a truly incredible man.  He was compassionate, genuine, and put other’s needs in front of his own.  He was a strong, kind, friend who loved his family/friends deeply.  He had a sense of humor and a smile that would brighten everyone’s day.  He was a fun-loving, easy-going, and loveable man. 

Chad will be deeply missed by his wife of 22 years, Jen; son, Hunter, Brandon; his father, James Meinert, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota; one brother, Ryan (Barb) Meinert, Victoria, MN; nieces and nephews, Ethan, Victoria, Caden, and Bella; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Becky Ackerman, Brandon, SD; sister-in-law, Jolene (Adam) Weber, Sioux Falls, SD; aunts, uncles, cousins; and many dear family friends. 

Chad is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Meinert; one nephew, Tate; his maternal grandparents, Darlene and Bert Schapekakm, and his paternal grandparents, Violet and Delbert Meinert.

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