Paul Messerli
Paul Messerli
Paul Messerli
May 28, 1926 – July 11, 2013
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 87
Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather
Paul Messerli, 87, of Oskaloosa died Thursday, July 11, 2013 at the Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
Paul was born Friday, May 28, 1926 in Monticello, Iowa, the son of John and Ethel Haigh Messerli. On July 14, 1949, Paul was united in marriage to Benita Mead. When he turned 18, Paul moved to Manchester, Iowa, and farmed there until he and Benita moved to Mason City in 1956. While in Mason City, Paul worked as a Farm Bureau fieldman both in Mason City and Poweshiek County. He also served as a district manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Poweshiek, Mahaska and Marion Counties for 13 years. He and Benita also started the Mustard Seed Christian Book Store in Oskaloosa. Paul later worked as the manager of Wapello Mutual Insurance Association in Ottumwa for over 20 years. Following retirement he and Benita moved back to Oskaloosa. He was a member of the Gateway Church of the Nazarene.
He is survived by his wife of over 63 years: Benita Messerli of Oskaloosa; two sons: Reverend Michael (Joye) Messerli of Lewisville, Texas and Mitch (& Linda) Messerli of New Sharon; two daughters: Peggy (& Shannon) Staton of Ottumwa and Susan (& Art) Lischer of West Des Moines; a daughter-in-law (Marty’s widow): Deborah Messerli Gyolai of Pella; 9 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a brother: Robert Messerli of San Antonio, Texas; and a sister: Mary (& Ben) Klaus of Ft. Myers, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Marty Messerli; a granddaughter: Dez Messerli; and two brothers: John Messerli and Lloyd Messerli.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 10 A.M. at the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Michael Messerli officiating.
Burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
Visitation will begin Monday after 11 a.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present at the funeral chapel Monday from 5 – 7 P.M. to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Paul Messerli Memorial Fund.
