Gerhardt Meseck was born on January 8, 1932 to the late Albert and Esther Messeck and passed away
peacefully at home on February 21, 2023 with his family by his side.
Gerhardt had two great passions–his family and his work. He was married to his high school sweetheart,
Gloria Friedrichsmeier, for 70 years this March. They were partners in everything: his mason business,
gardening and canning, pumpkin and Christmas tree farm, raising five children, and still making time to
enjoy friends and dancing. They were masters in time management.
“Do what you do, do well”, was Gerhardt’s code to live by. It is a saying he emphasized to his children,
whether in schoolwork, profession, hobbies, or sports. He lived that mantra. He loved his job as a
mason. He always went the extra mile to get the details done perfectly, making sure to do it “right.”
Even in later years, Gerhardt appreciated revisiting some of his job sites and took pride in the fact that
his efforts lasted the test of time. He was especially proud of his retirement project: a house which he
built for his daughter Darla and husband, Jim. He’d often get out the photo album to share that
accomplishment with others.
Since Wisconsin winters made it difficult for masons, Gerhardt traveled to work on Catalina Island in
California. He worked for the Glendale YMCA Camp Fox where he used recovered rock from the ocean
to build artistic stone seawalls, winding stone stairways to address rugged terrain of the camp, and
water diversion stone walls protecting the camp areas from flooding. He was proud to share photos of
the 20-plus-year project with visitors.
Naturally, Gerhardt and Gloria had to stop in Las Vegas, both on the way there and back, from Catalina.
They were the definition of soulmates and supported each other with love, care, and laughter in all
things!
He led a full and rich life. He was generous with his time and skills for family and friends. He loved trees
in all stages…from planting, nourishing, shaping, trimming, and eventually, wood for fireplaces. He
inspired love for growing things in his children’s hearts.
Because of Gerhardt, our lives have been enriched. He will be greatly missed. His life was a gift to his
family!
Gerhardt is survived by his wife, Gloria; children, Gayle (John) Salisbury, Gayla (Robert) Meseck-Lafferty,
Diana (Bill) Zimny, Gary (Ann) Meseck and Darla (Jim) Schwalbe; grandchildren, Sarah and Tyler
Salisbury, Taryn Lafferty, Joe, Katie and Laura Zimny, Alex and Paige Meseck and Ainsley Schwalbe;
great-grandchildren, Theodore and Earhardt Bullbury and siblings, Gene Meseck and Gertrude
Opgenorth. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Carl, Marlin and Gordon Meseck.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 917 Mead Ave.,
Sheboygan, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. Following the service, entombment
will take place at Garden Terrace Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established
in his name.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice home
care for their care of Gerhardt.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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