Obituary for Earl G. Mesnard (Guest book)

Message from Camy Houser Ditter

December 1, 2016 12:07 PM

Earl will always stand out in my mind as one of the most fun teachers I ever had. I had the pleasure of being his student during the glory years of the state championship basketball team in the early 70's, and what wonderful years those were with Mr. Mesnard as a coach of the team and the art teacher for many of us that attended Central Junior High at the time. He made us laugh everyday and helped keep the school atmosphere light-hearted during the awkward adolescent years, so what could have been dreaded, was instead made joyful. I can tell many stories about him but this one stands out: He would always tell the talltale that after work his wife would lock him in the basement until he was released to go to work the following morning. He was only fed bean soup; the soup consisted of a bowl of hot water w one bean dangling from a string for flavor. Interestingly enough, I ended up being an occassional babysitter for his two daughters during those years, so I found out first hand that he actually had a lovely wife and family, making that story all the funnier.
I absolutely loved this man and will never forget him. He was interesting and allowed students to get to know him as a person, not just as a detached authority figure. I became a teacher myself and pattern my relationships and love for teaching from inspirations like Mr. Mesnard. I moved to California many, many years ago so I have not been in touch w him for over 30 years, but he will always be in my heart. All my best to Natalie and Leslie, and all his family and friends who loved him.

Message from Dave Winchester

December 1, 2016 10:07 AM

I was heartbroken to hear of the death of Earl Mesnard. He was a great man, teacher and coach. He taught me so much about myself. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace Coach.

Message from Josh Wilson

November 29, 2016 10:54 PM

R.I.P., Mr. Mesnard. I enjoyed having you as a teacher. You always made it a fun class with your humor. I seem to remember a Donald Duck impression. My sympathies to your loved ones.

Message from Derek Sanders

November 29, 2016 8:30 PM

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Mesnards passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family and all of their loved ones during this difficult time. Mr. Mesnard was one of the most memorable teachers, and or coaches I ever had the pleasure of learning from or being around. Mr. Mesnard had an amazing "allure" about him, and he was comical about it. I will never forget this guy. The world has lost a fabulous, influencial, human being. I will miss him.

Message from Steve and Lottie Boos

November 29, 2016 8:02 PM

Mesnard Family,
Earl was a really good friend and I have so many fond memories of our high school years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.

Expression of Sympathy

A MONET'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was sent on November 29, 2016

Deepest Sympathy, From, Thomas Family

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was sent on November 29, 2016

Earl was a great inspiration to my wife and I. He will always be in our hearts. God Bless You Earl. With Love Camille and Jeff Ditter

Message from Blaine Poland

November 28, 2016 10:59 PM

Very sorry to hear about Mr. Mesnard. Thanks for all the laughs you provided us in school (you kept them coming even after we entered adulthood). Warsaw & Gdansk, as you called me every day, sure stunk at Art, but it was still a fun class to be in because of you. I can still hear you serenading me with that daily verse of, "I could've Gdansked all night!" You'll be missed.

Message from Brenda Stewart.

November 28, 2016 9:10 PM

Want to send my Condolences to all of you. Earl was a very kind and funny man. He would always pick on me when I would see him at Neimbergs. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

A candle was lit by Brenda Stewart. on November 28, 2016 9:07 PM

Message from Kay Camp

November 28, 2016 8:09 PM

So sorry to hear of Mr. Mesnards passing. He was my art teacher and also one of my favorite teachers. I hope his family has wonderful memories of him.

Message from Sam and Sharon

November 28, 2016 4:43 PM

My memories and good times with Earl and the entire Mesnard family are too numerous to confine to a tiny post, but he and all of you hold a special place in my heart. My prayer today is that the love and grace of God, the thoughts and prayers of family and friends, and the passing of time help to ease your pain. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that for every tear you shed in memory, there will be countless more smiles and times of laughter as you reflect on the joy he brought when in his presence. We are all the better for having known him.

Expression of Sympathy

A PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on November 28, 2016

To the entire Mesnard family, Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. I remember being in "Mr. Mesnard's" Art Class like it was yesterday and remember fondly his great sense of humor and wit. You are in our prayers, John & Cristina Thrasher

A candle was lit by Jeff&Velinda Sinkler on November 28, 2016 7:38 AM

Message from Dave & Linda Christensen

November 28, 2016 7:23 AM

Being 1964 classmates of Earl's, we'll always remember his fun-loving spirit, and wit. He kept us laughing all 4 yrs. at EHS. I especially remember those commutes to EIU in the summer of 1967 and the laughs we shared. Our deepest sympathy to his family, and may he now rest in peace..

Message from Judy smith

November 28, 2016 6:36 AM

I'm sorry to hear about Earl he was a good man and a good friend to Dike and i.May he R I P.

Message from Tammy Ashbaugh-Staley

November 28, 2016 2:11 AM

I'll never forget my first day at Central School. I was walking down the hall...lost of course. I had just moved from the small town of Noble IL. I had played volleyball and had my Noble team jacket on. As I pasted Mr. Mesnard he yelled out "hey Wynoose" I quickly turned around with a confused look, because no one had ever heard of Wynoose. (It was a very very small village close to Noble) He giggled n said what are u doing so far away from home....and from that day forward he was my favorite teacher, and continued to call me Wynoose....I even signed all my artwork "wynoose" He will definitely hold a place in my heart!

Message from Connie Vonderheide

November 27, 2016 10:54 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was an original! I have several memories that make me smile. Prayers for your family.

Message from Linda Richards, Effingham, IL

November 27, 2016 9:51 PM

I am sorry to hear of Earl's death. He was my art teacher in jr. high school. I was not a standout artist by any stretch, but Mr. Mesnard made me feel like I could be. One time I submitted a drawing, and he stared at it, looked at me, and asked, "Are you sure this is your best work? You can do better. Go try again." My next drawing WAS much better, but I didn't think I could draw better until he told me I could! I've always remembered his encouraging comments and his sense of humor. Prayers to the families.

Message from Barb Steele

November 27, 2016 9:13 PM

Earl was a great guy. He always had time to speak to everyone that he came into contact with and he always had a smile.
He will be sadly missed.
All of the family are in my prayers, let Jesus hold and heal you. God bless.

A candle was lit by Beldora Boose-Grove on November 27, 2016 8:46 PM

Message from Effingham

November 27, 2016 7:45 PM

Mr. Mesnard was my art teacher and assigned me the name of "Tugboat". I enjoyed his class. RIP Mr. Mesnard. Condolences to his family.

Sympathy,
Juna Griffith

Message from Tammy Monroe

November 27, 2016 6:50 PM

I'm so so sorry. Mr Mesnard was my art teacher in junior high at Central School and I had the biggest crush on him! He was always so fun and caring.

Message from Janet Vahling

November 27, 2016 6:43 PM

So sorry for your loss.

Message from Lynne Kessler

November 27, 2016 5:56 PM

So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all.

Message from Marlene DeWeese

November 27, 2016 5:13 PM

Sorry to hear of Earl's death. Always enjoyed talking to him at Niemerg's and watching him chat with everyone who walked by. He knew everyone! But when you are outgoing you have a chance at meeting lots of people. May his memory live on with all who knew and loved him. I have known him since he was a small boy. He had a wonderful family. Sympathy and prayers to all the family

Message from Tom jones

November 27, 2016 3:50 PM

So sorry for your loss hope everybody is doing well

Message from brenda wakefield evans

November 27, 2016 3:11 PM

My deepest sympathies to this family. Earl will be missed by all that knew him. Will be keeping the entire family in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.

Message from Betsy

November 27, 2016 12:23 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss

Message from Mason,Il

November 27, 2016 11:57 AM

I knew Earl all my life having been a close neighbor in Mason. I remember when Earl blew his knee out. I remember when he and Nedra were married in The First Baptist Church in Effingham. He taught both of my kids and my nephews and nieces at Central Jr High. Earl always called me Brenda Breeze and I will always hold a special memory of him. Love and prayers to the Mesnard family. God be your comfort at this time.

Message from Marilyn Powers Figgins

November 27, 2016 11:55 AM

So sorry to hear this, he was definitely one teacher I have always remembered, he sure did make a mark in in unit 40 kids, prayers an hugs to you Leslie an all your family,

A candle was lit by Marilyn Powers Figgins on November 27, 2016 11:51 AM

A candle was lit by Jennifer Ray on November 27, 2016 11:28 AM

Message from Marty Williams Smith

November 27, 2016 11:13 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Earl's at EHS. He was fun to be around. I am so glad I got to visit with him at our classes 50th reunion. My prayers for his family.
Martha "Marty" Williams Smith.

Message from Becky Quandt

November 27, 2016 10:58 AM

So sorry for tou loss!! Thinking of you all.

Message from Effingham

November 27, 2016 7:42 AM

My sincerest sympathy!

Message from Karron Bingman

November 28, 2016 5:16 PM

Sincere condolences to Nedra, Daughters , and Grandchildren. Earl was a friend to many and his smiles and grins will be missed by all that knew him.

Message from Olathe, KS

November 27, 2016 12:47 PM

To Mesnard Family...we are so sorry to hear about Earl. We have good memories from our teen years on of fun and laughs with Earl, Leslie, Natalie, and Nedra. May he now be free of pain and Rest In Peace. Our sympathy to all. Love, Vicki and Gene Sinkler