Karl Messer

Karl Adrian Messer, of Mount Pleasant, age 97 passed the morning of September 27, 2025, at Park Place Elder Living.

Born July 27, 1928, in rural Henry County, Iowa the son of Sheridan Messer, Jr. and Walcom (McMurren) the fifth of eight children.

After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School, Karl enlisted with the Iowa National Guard. He began his Henry and Washington county farming career in 1948. Karl married Murriel Joan Schoonover of Washington on September 26, 1948. The couple raised three daughters; Connie (John) Rich, Barbara (Robert) Miller and Karla Dougherty. Murriel died on August 7, 1993. Returning to Mount Pleasant he formed Messer Feed and Supply in 1964. After retiring in 1988, Karl purchased and operated a saw mill for five years. He married Patti Kelley in 1995, and she preceded him in death on July 2, 2019.

Beginning in 1996, Karl established Cedar Ridge and purchased a cedar log milling machine. Harvesting the timber from their Stockport property he built their cedar log home moving there in 1999. Karl enjoyed wood working and operating his bull dozer. While his many ventures and careers required long hours he made time for his family. He loved bank pole fishing with family and friends, fitting in many hours playing his favorite card game “35”.

Karl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant and Pheasants Forever.

Karl is survived by his three daughters; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; brother Melvin (Barb) Messer and sister-in-law, Carol Messer.

In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, four sisters and a granddaughter.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow in the Forest Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 2:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 3, at the Olson-Yoder Funeral Home & Crematory, where the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Every Step Hospice, White Oak Cemetery or Green Mound Cemetery. Condolences may be made at www.olsonyoderfh.com.