John "Jack" Messerich

John "Jack" Messerich of Preston, IA, passed away Monday, June 3, at Clover Ridge Place in Maquoketa, IA. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 7, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Preston. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.

Jack was born October 20, 1936, son of Herbert and Laura (Scheckel) Messerich. He grew up on the family farm, working and helping with chores. Jack attended Goose Lake High School and graduated with the class of 1955. After graduating Jack joined the United States Navy, where he served his country for six years. After returning home Jack met the love of his life, Joann Sullivan, at a dance at Melody Park. They married on November 17, 1962. Together Jack and Joann raised seven children and celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Jack worked as a dye maker at International Papers in Clinton, IA, for 36 years. He was good with his hands and put those skills to use building the family home north of Preston. Jack loved making wooden crafts with his wife, which she would paint and finish. In his free time Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching stock car races, and mowing his lawn.

At the center of Jack’s life was his family. He was a proud dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great grandpa. He loved taking his grandchildren for ice cream and going on little adventures down old dirt roads in his truck. He was there for all the grandkids’ sporting events and school activities.

Jack will be dearly missed by his three sons, Stan (Gloria) Messerich of Spragueville, IA, Terry (Lori) Messerich of Charlotte, IA, and Randy (Julie) Messerich of Spragueville; four daughters, Louann (Terry) Sieverding of Bellevue, IA, Annette (Dave) Taylor of Swisher, IA, Tracey (Joseph) Lee of Preston, and Dawn (Michael) Chambers of Charlotte, IA; 30 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; seven brothers, Duane (Sara) Messerich of Donahue, IA, Herbert (Rachel) Messerich of Grand Junction, CO, Gary (Laurie) Messerich of Glidden, IA, Richard (Maureen) Messerich of Colorado, Robert Messerich of Maquoketa, Glen (Linda) Messerich of Clinton, IA, and Kenneth (Jane) Messerich of Tennessee; and four sisters, Carol Atkinson of Preston, Joan (Raphel) Frett of Preston, Sandra Messerich of Texas, and Gail Deveraux of Clinton.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Joann; his granddaughter, Lindsey Sieverding; two grandsons, Coen Ritchie and William Schroeder; and his sister, Betty Swafford.

The entire Messerich family would like to thank Clover Ridge Place and Hospice of Jackson County for their wonderful care.