Lenora Jane Messerschmidt

All who knew Lenora "Polly" Messerschmidt would agree that there was no one she met whose life wasn't impacted in a positive way. She was a gracious and kindhearted woman whose heart was open to accept everyone just for who they are as her love was given freely and in abundance. Life was not without times of great trial for Polly, but she was accompanied by a quiet strength and a graceful courage that were inspirational to everyone she met. She had a fun-loving sense of humor and could laugh at herself at times, which had a way of making others feel at ease. Life will never be the same without Polly here, but her timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow her. Nearly a century has passed since America was colored with the vibrant decade of the Roaring Twenties. Radios, washing machines, and refrigerators were signs of the time while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh led the charge to transform the world of flight. Within this exciting time there was much to celebrate in the lives of a young couple from Rochester, Minnesota, as they welcomed a baby girl into their hearts and home on November 5, 1923. Lenora J. was part of a large family and was raised on the family farm north of Rochester. Her parents, Herbert and Susan (Clement) Weinrich, made being with extended family a priority as their home was the place for family gatherings of all kinds. Like most sisters, Polly, as she was usually known, had to put up with her fair share of teasing from her brothers. A family who enjoyed being together, their home was often filled with piano playing and singing. Polly attended a local country school and later went on to graduate from Rochester High School. From there she attended Winona Teachers College. With her education behind her, Polly was eager to embark on the next exciting phase in her life. She taught in several country schools in Eastern Olmsted County including Quincy, near Wegmans, near Putziers, and at Billy Goat Hill. Polly's teaching career provided the setting for her to meet the man with whom she would write a love story that spanned more than 50 years. His name was Charles G. Messerschmidt, and they met while she was teaching at Quincy. Deeply in love, the couple was married on June 23, 1947. Although she usually laughed at most jokes, the bride did not find the humor in her family's wedding night antics that included putting horse hair in her bed and shelled corn in her pillow! Together the newlyweds made their home on the Messerschmidt farm north of St. Charles where they raised their two children, Wade and Susie. Their home was the place for family gatherings including on New Year's Eve. Polly's skills in the kitchen were unequaled, especially when it came to her desserts. Saturday was always baking day, and her cinnamon rolls were legendary. Since Polly suffered several miscarriages and also endured the death of her daughter in 1981, she viewed the fact that she was able to have children at all as her greatest gift as she fully appreciated the fragility of life. Over the years Polly enriched her life in numerous ways. She was a member of the Dover United Methodist Church and was also active with the United Methodist Women, St. Charles American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Quincy Homemakers, and was a 4-H leader, too. A social woman, Polly looked forward to getting together with her "lady friends" for coffee and breakfast on Wednesday mornings with a ham omelette being her favorite breakfast item to order. Walleye pike at Elba House was also something she loved going out for. At home Polly enjoyed sewing and quilting, and she continued her interest in crossword puzzles and needlepoint until her eyesight no longer permitted her to continue. Throughout her life Polly took everything that came her way in stride. It has been said that she was the "straight man" for her husband's countless jokes, and she was known for offering advice despite saying, "I know I shouldn't say this, but..." Even when Polly mourned the loss of her unborn children, her daughter, and her husband in June of 2000, she never let it get the best of her, and again when she was diagnosed with cancer she didn't get upset. When reflecting on the life of Lenora "Polly" Messerschmidt, words such as accepting, compassionate, and generous come to mind as she was always someone who others could count on. She accepted others without question or condition, and her heart was continually open to her loved ones. Polly will be dearly missed and forever remembered. Lenora J. "Polly" Messerschmidt died on Sunday, May 4th at her home in rural St. Charles. Polly's family includes her son, Wade (Jean) Messerschmidt of St. Charles; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Gerald (Barb) Weinrich of Wabasha; numerous nieces and nephews; and former in-law, Garry Grover. Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; daughter, Susie; infant sister; infant son, Larry; infant brother; sisters, Hazel Schleusner, Virginia Sorensen, and Elva Rexford; brothers, Herbert "Bud" Weinrich and John Weinrich. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Dover Community Church with the Reverend Heather E. Klason officiating. Burial will follow in Little Valley Cemetery north of Dover. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church. Please share a memory of Polly and view her video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Pallbearers are Jon Cravath, Toni Messerschmidt, Tracy Messerschmidt, Charlie Messerschmidt, Troy Frey & Garry Grover. Honorary pallbearers are Katie Frey, Laura Frey, Dillon Frey, Desi Messerschmidt, Autumn Grover, Jennifer Grover and Aaron Grover.