Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dec. 6, 1938-Dec. 11, 2023

Robert Lee Mesko, 85, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in the comfort of his family’s presence.
His life began Dec. 6, 1938, in Dowagiac, Michigan, the fourth of five children born to Stephen and Arminda Mesko. He married Helen H. LaPorte Jan. 28, 1961, in Cassopolis, Michigan.
Bob cherished his family and will be remembered by many. He never knew a stranger and always offered a helping hand. He was a great storyteller. There was always room for another plate at the table because he never wanted anybody to go hungry. Bob was happiest when he had a grandchild bouncing on his lap. He was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and knew how to talk to animals. He enjoyed spending time in the woods cutting cords and cords of wood to heat his home and many others; he enjoyed running his chainsaw. He especially appreciated his wife, Helen’s, skills in the kitchen and on the sewing machine. Bob loved to be the giver of surprises. He will be remembered for his unique voice and laughter.
Bob will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two
years, Helen Mesko of Cassopolis; three daughters, Gail (Danny) Hertsel of Nappanee, Indiana,
Janet Francis of Cassopolis; Nancy (Rick) Audas of East Lansing; one son, Robert (Nikki) Mesko of Dimondale; grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Hertsel, Jeffrey (Corinne) Hertsel, Erin (Trevor) Hershberger, all of Nappanee, Indiana, Austin (Miranda) Francis of Cassopolis, Brittany Francis of Denver, Colorado, Gavin (Paige) Francis, Lane Francis, both of Cassopolis, Paige (Trever) Bowers of Dewitt, Sedric Audas of East Lansing, Jacob Krancich of Lansing, Robert Mesko, Jr. of Dimondale; sixteen great grandchildren; one great grandchild on the way; one sister, Mary Fosdick of Decatur; four sisters-in-law, Mildred Arnt, Dorothy Meachum, Pat LaPorte, Barbara Mesko; two brothers-in-law, Arlen Swartz, George LaPorte; a host of nieces and nephews; and many more that he considered his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Patricia Swartz; two brothers, Steven Mesko, James Mesko; one son-in-law, Reid Francis; three sisters-in-law, Anita Mesko, Jane Warner, Ruth Jerue; four brothers-in-law, Glen Fosdick, William Meachum, Ray Arnt, Richard Jerue
Family and friends will gather Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, from 2 p.m. until the time of a memorial service at 4 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Bob be made to Cassopolis FFA, 22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031 or to the Cass County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), 60296 M 62, Suite 15, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com