Harold Guy Fessler

A service for Harold Guy Fessler was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 at New Hope Assembly of God Church in Urbandale. Visitation was held from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2014 at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines. Hastings Funeral Home in Perry was in charge of arrangements. Pastor James Weaver and Pastor Austin Weaver of the New Hope Assembly of God Church provided words of comfort. Honorary bearers were: Adam Fessler, Renee Prew, Jesse Macht, Jaquel Good, Jason Keele and Bill Iverson. Casket bearers were: Shawn Macht, Rob Fessler, Curran Fessler, Jerry Prew, Mike Good and Jeff Iverson. Pastor Austin Weaver was the musician. Hymns chosen were How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace and I Will Rise. Interment took place at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Following the service at the cemetery was a luncheon at Chef's Kitchen on Beaver & Franklin. Harold Guy Fessler passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Edgewater Skilled Nursing Care, after a 6 week illness. He had been a resident of Edgewater Assisted Living for the past 4 years. Harold touched so many lives, always the true gentlemen, so kind, and cheerful. He was a blessing to all who knew him, but especially his family, who were close to his heart. Harold was born March 18, 1918 in Perry, IA to Guy Fessler and Clarice Martin Fessler. He grew up in Perry and graduated from high school in 1938. In 1940 he married Norma Burket, the love of his life. They moved to Des Moines and built a home where they lived for over 70 years. Also in 1940, Harold started Fessler Carbonic Gas Company. His father took care of the business while Harold was in the Marine Corp during World War II. Harold resumed running the business when he returned home and later went into partnership with his son Bob. They worked closely together until 1980, when Bob purchased the business and Harold semi-retired. The company is still operated by family and a dedicated group of employees. Harold had a great love and appreciation for the outdoors. He walked over a mile almost every day before he became ill. Harold was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved to spend time on his land in southern Iowa. He and his brother Wilbur hunted turkeys into their late 80's. Harold continued to deer hunt into his 90's. He was a member of New Hope Assembly of God Church and considered them to be his second family. He was a very proud lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge. Harold is survived by his children Dr. Ronald Fessler (Karen) of Forest, VA, Robert Fessler (Jan) of Cumming, IA, son-in-law Paul Macht of Wake Forest, NC; eight grandchildren; Rob Fessler (Mikki), Renee Prew (Jerry), Curren Fessler (Charlene), Adam Fessler (Jennifer), Jesse Macht (fiance Cedric), Shawn Macht, Jacquel Good (Mike) and Jason Keele, eleven great-grandchildren; Brandon, Alex, Charlie, Lily, Alec, Camron, Liam, C.J., Connor, Kyler and Jace; sister-in-law Doris Fessler of Perry, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. On September 21st of this year, his daughter Jerril "Jere" Macht of Wake Forest, NC passed away unexpectedly. She was always Harold's princess and he will be so happy to see her in heaven. Because many relatives were not able to honor her passing, a joint service will be held at the church. He was also preceded in death by his wife Norma, three brothers Donald, Wilbur (Ruth) and Earl, one sister Blanche Porter (Harold). The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewater Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care for their care and concern for Harold. Memorials may be sent to New Hope Assembly of God Church 4425 70th, Urbandale, IA or the Wild Turkey Federation, Iowa Chapter 4703, N. 162nd Street, Omaha, NE 68116.