James R MESKO

24 JAN 1937 - 13 DEC 2017

• BIRTH: 24 JAN 1937, Dowagiac, Cass, MI
• DEATH: 13 DEC 2017, Cassopolis, Cass, Michigan

• MARRIAGE: 19 JUN 1965, United Presbyterian Church in Cassopolis, MI

INDEX

[N18303] Jim R. Mesko
Jan. 24, 1937 - Dec. 13, 2017
CASSOPOLIS - ames R. Mesko, 80, of Cassopolis died peacefully Wednesday, December 13, 2017 in Niles in Lakeland Hospital in the comfort of his family's presence. He was born January 24, 1937 in Dowagiac, Michigan to Stephen and Arminda Mesko. Jim married Barbara Curtis on June 19, 1965 at the United Presbyterian Church in Cassopolis. She survives. Fondly known as Jim, he was an avid farmer raising numerous crops and livestock, including hogs, sheep, goats, and cattle. Jim loved traveling to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, watching boats pass through the Soo Locks. He and his family had many adventures camping throughout the state. Jim served on the Cass County Fair Board for many years and was even the Grand Marshall in 2009, he was named Cass County Conservation District Farmer of the Year, and was named a Michigan Master Pork Producer. Jim was very social and loved to visit with fellow farmers. He was a member of the FSA County Committee. Jim was an active member of the Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon in the past. Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Barbara Mesko; five daughters, Connie (Charles) Wittorp of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Karen Wright of Cassopolis, Amy Mesko of Cassopolis, Jill (Kevin) Hershberger of Cassopolis, Elizabeth (Al) Strukel of Cassopolis; thirteen grandchildren, Andrew (Calie) Hershberger, Arminda (Darrin) Dussel, Emily Waldschmidt, Sarah Wright, Mary Wright, Jimmy Strukel, Grace Strukel, Randy (Danielle) Wittorp, Kim (Brandon) Bush, Frank Wittorp, Luke Wittorp, Samuel Wittorp, and Levi Wittorp; five great-grandchildren, Dean, Everly, Brandon, Johnathan, and Ezekiel; two sisters Mary Fosdick of Decatur and Patricia (Arlen) Swartz of Dowagiac; one brother Robert Mesko of Niles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family and friends will gather Monday, December 18, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, December 19 at 1:30 pm in the funeral home. Jim will be laid to rest in Dailey Cemetery in Cassopolis. The family prefers contributions be made in Jim's memory to the Cass County Fair Association, Post Office Box 56, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Dec. 16, 2017