Laverne Messer

WAYLAND - Laverne Messer, 79, of Wayland died Friday, February 3, 2023, at Parkview Manor in Wellman.

Laverne was born May 14, 1943, in Merrimac, the son of Perl and Betty (Brewster) Messer. He graduated from Richland High School in 1961, and Iowa Wesleyan in 1967, with a degree in mathematics and a minor in physics. Laverne began teaching math and physics at WACO in 1967. While teaching, he also coached girls’ basketball and raised three children and spent 53 wonderful years together with his wife Linda (Miller). He was a member of the Cottonwood Methodist Church. In 1975, he went to work for Messer Oil Company, where he served as business manager. The business was sold to Cobb Oil, and Laverne worked there until his retirement in 2007. After retirement Laverne drove school bus and was a substitute teacher.

Laverne was a dedicated member of the Washington and Wayland Masonic Lodges, KAABA Shrine, and Order of Eastern Star. He was appointed by the Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star to be the Grand Representative of Alberta, Canada in 2010. Laverne served as the Eastern Star Grand Warder of the State of Iowa for 2013-2014.

In his younger years, Laverne was very active in fastpitch and slowpitch softball. He enjoyed playing cards and watching Hawkeye sports. He always had a special place in his heart for dogs. Laverne loved his family and treasured the time he was able to spend with them.

Laverne is survived by his wife Linda; three children Roni (Craig Glover) Messer of Cedar Rapids, Jodi (Pat) Pelkowski of Derby, Kansas, Marc (Brittany) Messer of Williamsburg; three grandchildren Shae (Karen) Pelkowski, Brin (Ken Shockley) Pelkowski, Aubree Messer; one great granddaughter Eliza Pelkowski; mother Betty Messer; three brothers Gene (Darla) Messer, Gary (Lori) Messer all of Wayland, Dan (Terry Kirk) Messer of Washington and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the Cottonwood Cemetery near Wayland. Pastor Gerard Muller will officiate. Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, at the Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A Masonic Service and Eastern Star Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), Kids Cancer Charity, and Cottonwood Cemetery.