Jeffrey Miller Mesmer, age 61, died peacefully in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 after a short illness. Jeff was born to Margaret (Johnson) Mesmer and William J. Mesmer on November 11, 1964, the 4th of 5 children.
Jeff grew up in Cherokee, Iowa. Growing up he loved to be outdoors, swim, hunt, and pick on his youngest sister. He participated in swim team, football, theater, choir, and Young Singers. Jeff skipped the first few weeks of school for several years to attend NOLS-National Outdoor Leadership School. He was elected Senior Class President, class of '83. Jeff hated snakes!
He graduated early in order to join his beloved Marines and was ultimately highly decorated. While in the Marines, Jeff competed in the elite "Super Squad" competition. He was stationed in Okinawa and Diego Garcia. Jeff graduated from Embassy School in Quantico and was then sent to Guatemala and NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. After his military service, he attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. Jeff was called back up to serve his country again in Desert Storm, and was sent to Germany.
Jeff lived in Aurora, Colorado for many years before moving to Kentucky to serve as Director of Environmental Services for the University of Kentucky Hospitals.
Jeff will be remembered for his jokes, pranks, flying the finger, quirky outlook on life, patriotism, and work ethic.
He was preceded in death by both parents. Jeff leaves behind his wife Cindy, daughter Alexis Mesmer-Smith (Brian), granddaughters Millie and Neillie, step daughters Jacqueline Horvath, Tiffany Horvath, step grandson Connor and his beloved dog, Dobby. Also surviving are his siblings: Jann Fowler, Jill Mesmer, Jon Mesmer, Julie Samp and many nieces and nephews.
Semper Fi.
No services are planned at this time.
