Kathleen Marie Messmer, 92, of Burlington, Iowa, died at Great River Medical Center, West Burlington, Iowa, on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.
Born on September 13, 1922 in Burlington, Iowa, she was the daughter of Herbert W. and Marie Sophie Sonenberg Long. On June 27, 1948 she married Robert J. Messmer in Burlington, Iowa. He died on February 24, 2005.
Kathleen attended Burlington schools and graduated from Burlington High School. She worked as a secretary for Schramm and Schmieg Dry Goods and as a legal secretary and receptionist for Dailey Law Office and also at Lawyers Law Office.
She was a lifelong member of First United Church of Christ where she served as secretary for the Women’s Fellowship and as an Elder. She belonged to the Legal Secretary Association during her career.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, camping, yard work and hosting family gatherings. She was known for treating with her chocolate chip cookies, her gentle kindness and lovely smile.
Survivors include her daughters, Anne M. Messmer-Witt of Burlington, Iowa, and Susan K. Messmer-Shirley of Broomfield, Colorado; three grandsons, Jonathon Witt, Benjamin Witt and Stuart Shirley; one cousin; nieces and nephews; and the Jones family, as lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Church of Christ, 611 Columbia, Burlington, Iowa. Pastor JudyAnn Morse will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. in Prugh’s Chapel. A memorial has been established for First United Church of Christ.
Following the graveside committal, there will be a time of food & fellowship at the church. Condolences may be left at www.prughfuneralservice.com.
