Associated Builders and Contractors founder Meisner dies at age 91

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Lawrence Meisner, who helped found the Iowa chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors in 1974 with Bill Yeager, died Sunday, at his home near Newton after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, the family announced. He was 91. He served in World War II. In 1953, he founded his own company in the basement of his home. Over the next 50 year, Meisner Electric Inc. grew to encompass large commercial and institutional projects in several states. Meisner Electric’s work at the University of Iowa included the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratory, the Pappajohn Business Administration Building, an addition to the Recreation Building and projects at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Other work included C.Y. Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State University, the former Polk County Convention Center in Des Moines and projects for Hy-Vee, Cargill and 3M. ABC was one of his biggest achievements. Today, the Iowa Chapter of ABC is the seventh-largest chapter in the country, and it has the largest apprentice training program. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, also at the funeral home.