John Dale Meyer Jr., age 63, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on February 2, 2026, at his home. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 304 N. Maryville St. Calmar, Iowa, with Rev. Henry Huber presiding. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.

John was born on July 20, 1962, to John and Dolores (Holthaus) Meyer in Calmar, Iowa. John attended and graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1980. Following high school, John attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids and later continued his education at Wisconsin School of Electronics in Madison.

As a child, John was never afraid to explore how things worked, especially electronics. Many gifts were carefully taken apart and expertly put back together, revealing an early talent that grew into a lifelong passion. He loved music, attending concerts, and could always be counted on for a good laugh. In his later years, he embraced the competitive spirit at national chili cook-offs, proudly earning recognition for his famous “Double Dog Chili.”

John’s career began in San Jose installing audio systems, laying the foundation for a lifetime devoted to sound, innovation, and creativity. He later settled in Orlando, where he lived for more than four decades. While there, he shared his talents with Kennedy Space Center before joining Universal Studios. At Universal, he played a role in bringing the legendary Jaws attraction to life, along with numerous other projects enjoyed by millions.

An inventor at heart, John introduced “Audio Phase Detection” in 1989. His expertise later carried him across the globe to Beijing, China, where he oversaw development of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Beijing Resort.

For his family, it was especially exciting to have a brother who worked at Universal Studios. To his nieces and nephews, he was proudly known as “the coolest Uncle around.” They were fortunate to visit often, enjoying special memories together with VIP access to the parks and many shared adventures — including trips to the Daytona 500. John, along with Arlen and Stephen, also treasured attending the Mecum Auctions and Barrett-Jackson car auctions, combining their love of cars with time spent together.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Dale Meyer; his grandparents, Anna and Joseph Holthaus and Laura and Dan Meyer; and his great-nephew, Jayden Heisler.

He is survived by his mother, Dolores Meyer of Calmar, Iowa; his brothers, Arlen (Burla) Meyer of Long Beach, California, and Stephen Meyer of Calmar, Iowa; and his sisters, Tina (Roger) Hansen of New Hampton, Iowa; Connie (Bobby) Berry of Arlington, Iowa; and Karla (Bill) Klimesh of Protivin, Iowa. John was cherished by his many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Affectionately known as “Little Nooky,” John was remembered for his wide-eyed smile and infectious laugh. His co-workers admired him as a gifted engineer with remarkable vision, someone who could build or fix just about anything. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will forever be remembered as their guardian angel, watching over them.

Rest in peace, Johnny.