James Metzger

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Lynne (Don Locke) Metzger of Maple Grove, MN; Kay (Ed) Miska, also of Maple Grove, MN; a brother, Vern (Vira) Metzger of Palmer, IA; a sister-in-law, Shirley Wagner of Enid, OK. His grandchildren, Jenni (Mehdi Kennar) Miska; Andrew Miska; Ryan (Jeni) Deering, Eric Deering, and Kelsey Deering; step granddaughters Brandi Locke Klinkner and Marissa Locke, several nieces, nephews, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna (Nickie) who died in 2007; his parents, Julia and Ben Metzger; and a sister, Leona Meppen.

James Henry Metzger, the youngest of three children, was born to Julia (Peterson) and Ben Metzger on Feb. 18, 1934, at their rural home near Palmer. He received his elementary education in rural schools of that area, graduated from Palmer High School and continued his education at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls (now University of Northern Iowa). He returned to Palmer where he operated the Palmer Reminder newspaper before being called to military service in June of 1956. He served as a chaplain’s assistant at Landstuhl Army Medical Center near Landstuhl, Germany for two years and was released from active duty to reserve status being discharged from the United States Army in 1962. He moved to Fort Dodge in the early 1960s and worked for Baker Manufacturing Company, Georgia Pacific Corporation, and then joined the Friendship Haven staff where he was employed for over 20 years as Director of Health Services until he retired. He was united in marriage to Verna (Nickie) Kreimar on May 10, 1959, at First United Methodist Church. They spent much of their leisure time in activities with the Order of the Eastern Star and traveled, including spending winter seasons in the Texas Coastal Bend area in Rockport, TX.

Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church, active in Chancel Choir and served on a number of boards and committees. He was Worthy Patron of Aurora Chapter, OES where he received his 50-year membership and was appointed Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter of Iowa, OES in 1975. He served as an appointive member of a sundry of boards in the Grand Chapter and was elected as a member of the Home Board of the Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, serving for years as its chair. He was also elected to the Board of Grand Trustees of the Grand Chapter and served as its chair. He was a member of Ashlar Lodge 111, AF and AM (Masons) where he received his 50-year membership, the local York Rite Chapters (also receiving 50-year membership in each) and Za Ga Zig Shrine in Altoona. He was a former member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club and the Elks Club in Fort Dodge. He was also a member of the Fort Dodge Choral Society for over three decades and was able to watch one last concert this December. He enjoyed fishing, camping and outdoor activities to be in nature. He expressed his creative side through his work with stained glass and oil painting with Nickie. One of his biggest joys was his love for music shown through his talent in playing the organ, piano and singing with the choir at First United Methodist Church and Fort Dodge Choral Society until age 90. Those who knew him of late were entertained with his love of collecting and wearing crazy socks. Most of all, he adored his two daughters and grandchildren.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Online condolences may be directed to www.gundersonfuneralhome.com.