Keith E. Meyer

Keith E. Meyer, 84, formerly a longtime resident of Davenport, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with family at his side.

Keith Edwin Meyer was born on August 6, 1941, in Woden, Iowa, a son of Edwin Henry and Eva Ruth (Valley) Meyer. He spent his early years in Woden before the family moved to Dows, Iowa. Keith graduated from Dows High School in 1959. He graduated from Wartburg College in 1963.

While working as a Social Service officer in Albia, he met and married Mary Josephine Cardenzana in 1965. They moved to Clarion, Iowa where Keith served as the Director of the Wright County Welfare office from 1966-1967. While in Clarion, Keith and Mary Jo welcomed a son, Shawn. Keith then attended Florida State University to earn his master’s degree in social work. While at Florida State he interned in Atlanta, Georgia and Tampa, Florida. In 1969, they moved to Davenport where Keith took a job at the Iowa Department of Social Services, and they welcomed their second son, Seth. Keith also ran a group home for juveniles at 1012 Marquette, on behalf of the Iowa Department of Social Services.

Political activism, a need to aid people, and a love of historical items were defining points of his life. He attended rallies, wrote opinion pieces, and held peaceful protests in all of the communities where he resided. Keith’s interest in politics and social issues led him to run for public office over three decades. His candidacy included Davenport School Board, Scott County Board of Supervisors, Alderman At-Large, and Mayor of Davenport. During this time, Keith ran Ten Twelve Marquette as a reception and bed and breakfast facility. Over the years, he added a vegetarian café and created Mississippi Book and Tea. 2003 was a busy year as Keith opened his winery, Black Lab Crossing, bottling his organic wine from his own raspberries. He also won the 3rd Ward Alderman seat in Davenport which he held for 2 terms. His last foray into politics was his second run for Mayor of Davenport in 2013.

Keith’s passions in life were easily identifiable when visiting his old house at 1012 Marquette Street. Visitors would be greeted by big black labs, or huskies, and offered a sample of his wine or homemade biscotti. His house was filled with antiques and books, typewriters and tables, art and unique décor. Outdoors there were peach, cherry, and apple trees, raspberry bushes, hostas, and interesting objects adorning the yard and patio. His love for the environment and outdoors led to the opportunity for Keith to host members of Greenpeace at his house for a short time. He spent days outside with his dogs, and nights reading or writing. Whether it was his book, poetry, or opinion pieces, Keith’s writing had his own voice.

Those left to honor his memory are his sons and daughters-in-law, Shawn (Kelly) Meyer, Bettendorf and Seth (Phousavanh Sengsavanh) Meyer, Columbia, Missouri; granddaughter, Josephine Meyer, Hutchinson, Minnesota; former wife, Mary Jo Weber, Long Grove; a brother, Dean (Kathy) Meyer, San Luis Obispo, California, and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by an infant daughter, his parents, and siblings: Evelyn (Larry-late) Johnson, and Betty (Arnis-late) Grundberg.

A time to gather and celebrate the life of Keith will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. A time of sharing will happen at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Midwest Writing Center or Nahant Marsh.