James P. Mesler, 88, of West Burlington, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in West Burlington.
Born June 29, 1935, in Omaha, he was the son of Paul and Irma M. Thoisen Mesler. On Aug. 9, 1958, he married Monica Meyer at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Burlington. She died on July 20, 2022.
He was a 1953 graduate of Burlington Catholic High School and a 1955 graduate of Burlington Junior College. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1953 until 1961.
Jim worked at C.B.& Q Railroad Shops as an electrician, Carson Pierre Scott as an Assistant Manager, Drake Hardware Company as a buyer, and was co-owner of Mesler Supply and Fur Company with his wife for over 40 years.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish, Knights of Columbus #568, Mackin Assembly 4th degree #261, and a board member of St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. He was the co-founder and lifetime member of the Iowa Trappers Association, inducted into the Iowa Trappers Hall of Fame in 2002, and a lifetime member of the National Trapping Association. Jim volunteered for the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department as a Reserve Officer for 14 years and the West Burlington Police Department as a Reserve Officer for two years. He enjoyed softball and racquetball (lots of tournaments), wintering in Las Vegas, traveling, and casinos.
Survivors include his four children, Ann Marie Kirk of Burlington, Jean Elizabeth (Leon) Helling of Ankeny, Thomas James (Deborah) Mesler of Windham Summit, Penn., and Patrick Joseph (Anna) Mesler of Burlington; nine grandchildren, Janette Yenchko, Eric (Natasha Knutson) Rahn, Jana (Timothy) Rahn-Kilfoy, Nathaniel (Kristina) Poli, Brooke Poli, Summer Mesler, Lily Mesler, Breana (Michael) Williams-Hawkins, and Gage Mesler; nine great-grandchildren Evelyn, Claire and Logan Yenchko, Luca Rahn, Kaden and Addison Kilfoy and Sydney, Avery and James DeWayne "J.D." Hawkins; one sister, Mary Houck of Aurora, Ill.; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. where the family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024 at Divine Mercy Parish-SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington.
The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Mesler will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at SS. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church, West Burlington with Fr. Dominic Nguyen as the Celebrant. Inurnment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, West Burlington. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the St. Mary's Cafeteria following the inurnment.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.