WATKINS - Robert Messerschmitt, 80, died Friday, June 29, 2007, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Phillips Funeral Home Chapel in Blairstown. Interment: 3:30 p.m., Mt. Zion Cemetery in Martinsburg, with military rites. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Mary K.; his sons, Larry (Loretta) Messerschmitt of Bonaparte, Merlin Messerschmitt and fiance Julie Locke of Hiawatha, and Marty (Angela) Messerschmitt of Watkins; his daughters, Sandra (Jim) Counts of Bonaparte and Cheryl Messerschmitt of Sedalia, Mo.; his stepchildren, Kathey Richmond of Marion, Tina (Artrice) Richmond-Martin of Cedar Rapids and Jay D. Richmond of Watkins; 27 grandchildren; 38 greatgrandchildren; his sister, Grace Haines of Sigourney; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Donnie Messerschmitt; his brother, Raymond Messerschmitt; and his sister, Marie Claypool.

Robert was born May 20, 1927, on the family farm near Martinsburg, to Raymond and Nellie (Wiseman) Messerschmitt. During World War II, he served his nation in the U.S. Army. On Oct. 26, 1968, he married Mary K. Williams Richmond at Hayesville.

A retired truck driver, Rob ert was employed by Umthun Trucking of Eagle Grove for 15 years and Benton County for five years. Prior to retirement, he was employed by Fisher's Feed and Fertilizer of Blairs town. He loved camping, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Robert also enjoyed country music and attending dances.

A memorial fund has been established.