Dave Messerle

Dave Messerle, 71, passed away at his home March 15, 2018. He was surrounded by his family and very peacefully and gracefully journeyed to heaven. Dave fought a very courageous battle with cancer for three years, never complaining once.

Dave was the fourth of six children born to Everett and Josephine Messerle in Coos Bay. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1964.

Dave attended Oregon State University for two years before joining the U.S. Navy. After spending four years in the Navy, he returned to Oregon State University where he received his bachelor's degree in 1973.

When Dave returned from the Navy he met Annie Guenther and was instantly smitten. They were married in 1971. Dave and his bride were married for 47 years, were a great example of how to be married, and always treated each other with love and respect. Their love for each other was something very special.

Dave and Annie moved back to Coos Bay in 1973, into the “home place” where his grandparents had lived. They remodeled the old farm house and made their home a gathering place and built a strong foundation for their family.

There they raised their three children with a durable and solid love. Dave was a father anyone would be fortunate to have. Even after working long hard days, he always made time to attend his kid’s games, help with their 4-H animals, and provided an unlimited supply of love and support. He loved his children and was an example of how to be a good parent. Then he became a grandparent and his love for those five grandkids was even bigger. He loved spending time with his grandkids and was very proud of them.

Dave joined his father and brothers at the family company, Messerle and Sons, in 1973. He developed the timber and logging side, which was a great addition to the established ranching aspect of the business. Dave had a note tacked in his office “the best fertilizer for the ground is the footsteps of the owner.” He knew every square inch of the company’s ground like the back of his hand. He took great pride in his timberland and it showed in how he logged, planted, and tended his trees. His firm belief in setting up the company for future generations of family is evident in the incredibly well stocked timber ground and well-kept ranches Dave fostered. He was always quick to fix a broken fence board. He exemplified the value of hard work, honesty, and a strong integrity that’s hard to match.

Dave was the hunt master on countless elk hunts on his ground. He always had so much fun with all steps including scouting, hunkering down in the barn on rainy mornings, hauling a big bull or two or three in the back of his truck, cutting parties, picking up and delivering the divvy, and so on. He loved and looked forward to his annual eastern Oregon deer hunting trip with an exceptional group of people. Dave’s presence and big booms will be missed at the “All Boys Campout”. Throughout his life Dave cultivated many close friendships. He had a particularly strong bond with his “Bubs” and their love for him was obvious.

Dave believed in the value of giving back to his community and served on numerous boards and committees. He enjoyed his time on these boards and served on several long term.

Dave is survived by his wife, Annie; son, Jeff Messerle; daughter-in-law, Molly; grandchildren, Bo, Waylon, and Belle; daughter, Stephanie Messerle; son-in-law, Jake Robinson; grandsons, Wylie and Caelan; his five siblings including three brothers and two sisters; many nieces and nephews; and a whole lot of very special friends.

Waiting in heaven to give Dave a big hug was his son, Josh; nephew, Trent Messerle; and his parents, Everett and Josephine.

The family is planning a celebration of life to be held at a later date this summer.

Donations in Dave’s memory can be made to the South Coast Hospice, 1630 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420; or the Bay Area Cancer Center, 1775 Thompson Road, Coos Bay, OR 97420. We can all honor Dave everyday by practicing random acts of kindness as he liked to say.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dave Messerle, please visit our floral store.