John Mester

Aug. 11, 1916 - Sept. 26, 2008
MISHAWAKA - John Mester entered into Eternity with his Lord and Savior at 6:45 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2008. He made his home with his son on Loughlin Drive in Mishawaka. One of six children, John was born to Sarolta (Hagy) and John Mester of South Bend, Indiana, on August 11, 1916, in South Bend, Indiana. In April 1942, he married Martha Nygren of Roseland, who survives him. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers, Joseph and Nicholas, and two sisters, Sarah Herczeg and Irene Fulper. He is survived by a sister, Mary Anderson, and three children, Karin (Harvey) Hatfield, James (Suzy) Mester and Beverly (Cal) Gilvin. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Christian (Crystal) Hatfield, Joshua (Shelly) Hatfield, Peter (Nicole) Hatfield, Jeny (Joshua) Martin, John Mark (Christine) Mester, Jayme (Scott) Reichanadter, Adam (Katie) Gilvin, Jeremy (Sarah) Gilvin and Elisabeth (Casey) Dorff, as well as 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. John loved sports and was an active bowler for many years. He enjoyed Little League baseball games and Notre Dame football. John also served as an usher for Notre Dame football games for over 20 years. John served in the National Guard for five years and joined the U.S. Army in 1941, serving in India until his honorable discharge in 1945 with one Bronze Star. In 1975 John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was devoted to his church and faithful to its teachings and doctrines. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Street, South Bend, Indiana, with Pastor Bud Steadman officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church, or the Community Baptist Christian School Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the Mester family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.