Charles Messmer

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Charles L. “Chuck” Messmer, 84, of Bettendorf, will be on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport.  Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30, the time of the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting Sacred Heart’s website at https://www.shcdavenport.org/ and clicking the YouTube button. Due to Covid, there will be no gathering afterwards. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Cathedral or Optimist International Foundation c/o Childhood Cancer Campaign.  Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Chuck died Monday, February 1, 2021 at his home surrounded by family.

Charles Lawrence Messmer was born on August 10, 1936 in Rock Island, a son of Frederick “Fritz” and Shirley (Walters) Messmer.  He was a 1954 graduate of St. Ambrose Academy, then proudly served our country in the Navy until 1957.  He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Mary Jo Gluba on September 13, 1958 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport.  They shared over 62 years of marriage.

Chuck was well known in the finance business, co-owned Sunshine Camper Sales and Century-21 Northpark Realty. He served as a board member of the Quad City Area Realtors Association. Along with his wife, Chuck was the founder of Messmer Real Estate Appraisal Service.

He was an active member of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Knights of Columbus, Elks Club, The 16th Avenue Happy Hour Club, and a charter member of the Quad City Morning Optimist Club. He was a Boy Scout leader and Religious Education Teacher. Very faithful, he had a servant’s heart: actively involved in parish life, the food pantry, and the Optimist Avenue of Flags.

He achieved the status of National Association of Master Appraisers and earned numerous distinguished honors and awards in the real estate, financial, and Optimist communities. However, his most prestigious bestowed on him is the award forever named in his honor: Chuck Messmer Optimist of the Year Award.

Chuck loved his family and was often seen attending sporting events and activities of his grandchildren. An avid hunter, fisherman, camper, he shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. A great story teller, he enjoyed traveling, history, poker club with pals, teaching bridge, board games, and a good game of cards. He was a great dancer and loved a good laugh. Most of all, he was a man of great faith, often seen praying, reading scripture, discussing God, and doing his best to live a good Christian life.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Mary Jo, Bettendorf, children: Katherine (Kerry) Cox, LeClaire, Charles “Charlie” (Dee) Messmer, Davenport, Carol Adelmund, Marshalltown, and Constance (Stephen Bernier) Messmer, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; grandchildren: Zachary (Sarah) Etzel, Jacob Messmer, Sean Messmer, Steven (Alicia) Adelmund, Michelle Adelmund, Paul Adelmund, Serogia Bernier, Andrei Bernier, and Olya Bernier; great-grandchildren: Bryce, Brooklyn, Kayla, Nicholas, and Daisy Mae; and a brother, Ronald Messmer, Mesa, Arizona.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, Dennis Adelmund, and a brother, Duane Messmer.