FORT JENNINGS – Joseph F. Mesker, 89, of Fort Jennings, passed away Sunday evening, April 20, 2025 at The Meadows of Delphos.

He was born April 21, 1935, in Delphos to Joseph A. and Marcella (Boerger) Mesker, who preceded him in death. Joe was born on Easter Sunday in 1935 and passed away on Easter Sunday 2025. On Sept. 6, 1958, he married Shirley R. (Luebrecht) Mesker who passed away on June 12, 2019. 

Joe is survived by his children, Kevin J. Mesker of Fort Jennings, David J. Mesker of Independence, Kentucky, and Sarah (Daniel) Landwehr of Ottoville; grandchildren, Drew (Ellery) Mesker, Adam (Caitlin) Mesker, Marissa (Christopher) Jablonski and Lydia (Nick) VonSossan; great-grandchildren, Tenley Mesker, Peyton Jablonski, Tatum VonSossan, Lakelyn Mesker and two on the way; and a brother, Jim Mesker of Delphos. 

Along with his wife, Shirley, and his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Wanda (Bob) Hohlbein; and sister-in-law, Mary Mesker.

Joe had been employed at Superior Coach in Lima for 28 years until their closure in 1980. He then was employed at Star Commonwealth in Van Wert, working as manager over the boys’ cottages.  He also worked at Fort Jennings Schools as a custodian. He was one of the two founders of the Boy Scout Program in Fort Jennings.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Joe served in the United States Navy from 1957 – 1959.   He loved fishing, hunting and was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Reds.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Fort Jennings, with graveside military rites by Ft. Jennings American Legion Post 715 and the Ottoville VFW 3740.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Weber Funeral Home, Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:45 p.m.  Visitation will also be for an hour prior to the mass Thursday at St. Joseph Church.

Preferred Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.