Charles "Bill" Messerly

Charles "Bill" Messerly, 87, of Fort Dodge passed away April 9, 2025 at Woodlands Senior Living Center in Clive.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum at North Lawn Cemetery. Military Rites will be conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the VFW Post 1856. A visitation will be one hour prior at the mausoleum. Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family.

Bill Messerly, son of Marjorie (O'Brion) Messerly and Clifford Messerly, was born April 22, 1937 on the family farm in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Bill graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1955. During high school, Bill wrestled and played football, earning a scholarship to Iowa Central Community College for wrestling.

On December 5, 1959, Bill married Muriel "Mickie" Spencer in Blue Earth, Minnesota. They made their home in Fort Dodge until 1982 when they moved to Janesville, Wisconsin. After 17 years in Wisconsin, Bill and Mickie returned to Fort Dodge and lived in Bill's family home.

Bill spent 35 years working for Hormel making SPAM, Hormel Chili and other wonderful products. He retired from Hormel in 1998 and began his second career as a driver for Dart until he reached 80 years old. Bill was a veteran of the National Guard and US Army Reserves, having served for over 15 years.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. Over the years, Bill participated, coached and watched sports, enjoying golf, football, baseball and softball. It was common to see Bill in the stands watching his kids and grandkids compete over the years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mickie Messerly, five children, Robert (Donna) Messerly of Spokane, Washington, Mike (Lorie) Messerly of Altoona, Iowa, Cindy (Tim) Wildt of Gainesville, Georgia, Jackie (Rich) Pullen of West Des Moines, Iowa and Kadi (Carson Fulcher) Messerly of West Des Moines, Iowa. Eleven grandchildren, Sierra (Tyler) Sturman of Washington, Amy Messerly and Kaylee Messerly of Colorado, Lindsey (Devon) Lacina, Luke (Julie) Brandel, Lance (Nicole) Brandel and Lee (Jordan) Brandel of Iowa, Adam Dutcher and Kaitlyn (Austin) Burgett of Iowa and Joel (Jennifer) and Jeff (Lisa) Pullen of Iowa. Sixteen great grandchildren, Brody and Ryder, Clayton, Alaina, Grady, Kale, Ayana, Knox, Alyx, Deegan, Winney and Brycen, Louie, Finlee and Gracie and Charlie, his sister, Judy (Steve) Powers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John, and great granddaughter, Emma.

Bill's family will be forever grateful for the kindness, caring and comfort provided by the teams at Unity Point and Woodlands Senior Living during his last year, and the love and support of his friends and neighbors in Fort Dodge.

Memorials may be directed to Honor Guard or the VFW Post 1856. God's peace to you, Dad.