Obituary: Frederick "Fred" Messerschmitt Jr., of Sparta, TN, formerly of Gloucester City NJ | cnbnews.net
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Frederick "Fred" Messerschmitt, Jr., age 53, from Sparta, TN died on Sept. 6, 2012 from congestive heart and multi organ failure after a long 9 year battle that began after a virus damaged his heart. Fred passed at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN with family by his side. Raised in Gloucester City NJ, he moved to Tennessee to continue his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite his health issues he reached his goal of 25 years of service on Aug. 11, 2012. His employment included the Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard as well as the Watts Bar and Center Hill Dam and Power Plant in Tennessee. Fred loved animals and lived most of his life as a vegetarian. In Tennessee he purchased land and over the years cared for many abused or otherwise neglected animals including a lama, miniature horses and donkeys, and milk goats. He treated them as pets even leaving instruction in his will how they were to be looked after in the event of his passing. Fred had a love for history. He stayed rooted to his hometown of Gloucester City through his research of the city's railroad system. He enjoyed collecting trains, antique lanterns, and framed photos that showed the rail system from long ago. Other interests included photography, woodworking, computers, restoration of old firearms and sharp shooting. Fred to outsiders may have appeared to have a hard shell. However, he was a very gentle and sentimental person, devoted son, and loving big brother. He chose his friends wisely letting in those who were as true and loyal as he was. It is his family and those worthy friends who will cherish the memories of him and his life.
Fred is survived by his father, Frederick (Fritz) Messerschmitt of NJ as well his sister, Lorraine Winters and husband Ken; brother, Karl Messerschmitt and wife Teri; sister, Denise Kaczalek; nieces, Meghan, Felechia, Erin, Sabrina and Briana and nephew, Matthew. Preceded in death by his mother, Helen Messerschmitt nee Yourkonis; grandparents, Adolph and Dorothy Yourkonis.
Services were held at the Hunter Funeral Home Chapel in Sparta, TN. He was laid to rest at Plainview Cemetery, in Cassville, TN. His body faces east towards his hometown and family, shadowed by the beautiful Tennessee mountains that he loved. His soul is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to any animal rescue organization of choice.