John Mesknes

John Mesknes, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, February 9 due to complications following pneumonia. John was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University and went on to receive his master""s degree from the University of Mississippi. John was a proud United States veteran, having served in both the Army and the Air Force. He retired from his work with the Polk County School Board after being a Principal at Kathleen Junior High and Polk City Elementary. His number one priority as an educator was the progress and safety of his students. John was a long-time dedicated and active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was a fan of all sports and especially loved to follow high school and college football. John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie Mesknes, and his infant son, John Mark Mesknes. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Alma Mesknes, daughter, Melissa Hammer, granddaughter, Kelley Godfrey, sister, Dorothy Moen, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, February 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Harden Boulevard in Lakeland with visitation at 10 a.m. and the memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. John will be deeply missed. His family is grateful for the compassionate care he received from the staff at Oakbridge Healthcare Center and the Palliative Care Unit at LRMC and from Dr. Chadi Alkhalil. I lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul Lutheran School""s Scholarship Fund. Service: 02/16/2013 St. Paul Lutheran Church 4450 Harden Blvd Lakeland St. Paul Lutheran Church Visitation: 02/16/2013 St. Paul Lutheran Church