Gilbert J. Mescher, 98, of Farley, Iowa, passed away on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by loved ones.

Friends and relatives of Gilbert may call from 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a Parish Rosary will be held at 1:30 p.m., the Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. and the Farley American Legion services will be at 6:30 p.m. Friends may also call after 9:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 28, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Assisting Deacon will be Dan O’Connell. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Farley, Iowa with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Gilbert was born November 27, 1920 in New Vienna, Iowa, son of Henry and Mathilda (Koopmann) Mescher. He received his education in the former St. Francis Xavier School in Dyersville, Iowa. He was a Veteran having served in the United States Army during World War II. Gilbert was united in marriage to Bernice White on February 12, 1946 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa. She preceded him in death on January 8, 2019. Gilbert farmed for fifteen years and went on to work in the Western Dubuque Bus Garage as a Mechanic until his retirement in 1984.

Gilbert had a Passion for traveling and was an avid golfer and reader. He loved spending time with his family and truly enjoyed a good poker game, playing games with Bernice at night and splitting a cold beer.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa, the Knights of Columbus Council #2001 and the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Those left to cherish his memory are five children, Janet (Clifford) Splinter of East Dubuque, IL, Bonnie (Tom) Weidemann of Dubuque, IA, Doris (Marty) LaPage of East Dubuque, IL, Larry (Vickie) Mescher of Peosta, IA and Vicky (Ron) Neumann of Independence, IA; 20 grandchildren, Chris (Jamie) Splinter, Eric Splinter, Abbi (Brian) LaPage, Dan (fiancé, Christina) Weidemann, Ginger (friend, Brian) Weidemann, Valli (fiance, Robert) Weidemann, Peggi (friend, Mitch) Weidemann, T.J. Weidemann, Marty J. (Amanda) LaPage, Brandon LaPage, Trevor (fiancé, Sara) LaPage, Nick (Lisa) Mescher, Kelli (Ted) Bergfeld, Kari Mescher, Alexis Mescher, Landon (Rebecca) Klostermann, Logan (friend, Stephany) Klostermann, Emily (Todd) Ostwinkle, Lily Neumann, and Joseph Neumann; 16 great grandchildren and one on the way; four siblings, Armella Phillips of Fly Creek, NY, Alfred “Fritz” (Jeanette) Mescher and Dick (Jean) Mescher both of Dyersville, IA and Bob (Lou Ann) Mescher of Edgewood, IA.

He is also preceded in death by his parents; one great granddaughter, Hope LaPage; nine brothers and sisters, Marie (Clarence “Barney) Kramer, Harry (Marge) Mescher, CJ (Alvie) Mescher, Bill (Germaine) Mescher, Viola Mescher, Louie (Kay) Mescher, Alice (Syl) Althoff, Rosemary (LaVerne) Nelson and David (Janet) Mescher; two brothers-in-law, Hubert “Bud” Phillips and Ralph (Mildred) White.

The family would like to thank the Farley EMS, Mercy ER Physicians, Nurses and staff especially Nurse Trisha for their compassion and wonderful care they gave Gilbert and his family

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com