Jack O. Messenger

Jack Messenger, 89, of rural Avoca, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Elm Crest Senior Living in Harlan. 

Jack Oliver Messenger was born January 21, 1935, in Anderson County, Kansas to Geraldine (Smith) and Clarence Messenger. Jack spent his youth in Kansas, graduating from Garnett High School in 1954. Following graduation and the lure of a particular young lady, Jack moved to Iowa. Jack married Velma (Lee) on March 6, 1955, at Altamont Baptist Church in rural Harlan. To this union three children were born: Kathren, Dennis and Judy. They made their home in the rural Walnut and Avoca, Iowa areas.

Jack worked hard all his life. He worked as a hired hand for area farmers and a butcher at Western Iowa Pork and Jim’s Wholesale Meat. Even after triple-bypass surgery in 1993, Jack went on to work laying pipe for rural water and then as a butcher at Gress Locker in Hancock, Iowa.

In his later years, Jack moved to Westridge Apartments in Harlan, Iowa. He enjoyed the seasonal tending of his garden plot and sharing the produce with his neighbors. He also enjoyed the “great finds” discovered at a garage sale or the Salvation Army Store.

Jack’s last year was at Elm Crest Senior Living. He readily participated in the different activities and was always ready for a game of cards. The staff often saw him helping other residents by getting them a drink of water or dish of ice cream or just spending time with someone.

He is survived by son, Dennis (Jeri) Messenger of West Des Moines, IA; daughter, Judy (John) Pixley of Honey Creek, IA; granddaughter, Holly (Eric Woodard) Messenger of West Des Moines, IA; grandsons, Jared (Erin) Pixley of Tucson, AZ and Joel Pixley of Council Bluffs, IA; great-grandsons, Kiran Valji of West Des Moines, IA and Arthur Pixley of Tucson, AZ; step-sister, Mary Lamb of Osawatomie, KS; step-brother, Ray Brown of Lawrence, KS; brother-in-law, John (Sherrie) Lee of Avoca, IA; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Velma; daughter, Kathren Messenger; grandson, Aaron Messenger; siblings, Clarence Messenger, Betty Denniston and Robert Messenger; and in-laws, Alvin (Anna Mae) Lee and Marilyn Lee. 

Following a private burial, the family welcomes friends and relatives to join them for a luncheon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, 12 p.m., at the Altamont Baptist Church, five miles southeast of Corley, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the Altamont Baptist Church.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jack’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.