Niclos "Nick" Messmer, 94, of Arnold died Jan. 14, 2019, at the de Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis County. Mr. Messmer, a Catholic, was a machinist and farmer who loved gardening and hunting and is remembered for being generous. He served in the U.S. Army infantry during World War II and was awarded three Purple Hearts and other medals. Born July 3, 1924, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Anna (Besch) and George Messmer.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years: Dorothy (Johnson) Messmer.
He is survived by 11 children: Rose Horton, Elaine (Ralph) Reed, Nick (Diane) Messmer, Mike (Holly) Messmer, John (Jeanne) Messmer, Raymond (Krista) Messmer, Debbie (Steve) Fink, Ann Scales, George (Donna) Messmer, Joe Messmer and Pete Messmer; a daughter-in-law: Linda Johnson; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sons: Fred Johnson, Calvin (Norma “Blackie”) Johnson; a daughter: Dorothy Diekmann; and his siblings.
Memorial service will be at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, at the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks, officiated by Deacon Russ Fink. Memorials may be made to the de Greeff Hospice House or the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Bell Funeral Home.