Martin Robert Mesch

Martin Robert Mesch, 78, was born January 20, 1946, in Chicago to Arthur and Helen (Harbut) Mesch. His parents, his identical twin brother, Art and his older brother Denny preceded him in death. Marty leaves behind his wife, Karen; his children, Jenny Grecsek and Lisa Gilbert; grandchildren, Stephanie, Anna and Sarah Grecsek; Tyler and Hannah Gilbert; his brother Jeff Mesch, and sister Barbara Wittekind; as well as a wide circle of family and friends who were blessed to know his love and generosity.

Marty grew up in the Chicago suburbs and attended school in Downer’s Grove. He became a boy scout and ultimately an Eagle Scout – an achievement that would reflect his adventurous spirit. He studied at Northern Illinois University and graduated with a BA in Education. He met his lifelong soulmate Karen in 1967 at Spring Break in Daytona Beach – and they were married for 55 years.

After receiving his Master’s in education, Marty began his career first as a teacher in Illinois, then moved to escape the cold to the warmer climate of Florida in 1979. He and his wife Karen and children Jenny and Lisa settled there, ending up in Cape Coral. He first worked as a Guidance Counselor at Caloosa Elementary, before moving to Gulf Elementary, where he would ultimately become Principal and touch hundreds of lives. The community knew him best in this role, where he was a kind, compassionate leader of a school of hundreds of children. He cared about everyone he encountered here, and many have stories to tell about how he was a part of their lives. He was the kind of principal who expected those he worked with to strive to meet their full potential and who deeply cared for his staff, students and families.

Those who worked with him will recall that he remembered everyone – and not just their names, but vivid memories of each person and their families, often emphasizing a great attribute of the person he was remembering.

He announced every student’s name in the car line, emceed the “Let’s Make a Deal” game show, gave out awards at the end of the year, and sliced the turkey in the cafeteria at Thanksgiving lunch. He would enthusiastically and convincingly help kindergarten children look for Santa at the “Breakfast with Santa.” Every morning on the school news Marty would sign off telling everyone to do their best each and every day.

An adventurous spirit – he embraced many hobbies, including fishing, which he patiently taught his grandchildren, who have many fond memories of catching fish off the dock at his house. He became an avid Pickleball player and excelled in this sport. He loved traveling with his wife and family. He also had the desire to help others and was involved with the Divorce/Separation group at St. Katherine Drexel Church.

Marty loved his life; he loved his wife, his family and his job - the students, families and teachers. He loved his neighbors and friends. He was loved deeply in return. He will be greatly missed.

There will be a celebration of life at Coral Ridge Funeral Home on December 6, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., 1630 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33991

A Funeral Mass will be held on December 7 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., 1922 SW 20th Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33991