Kenneth John Mezger, 59, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully in the afternoon of November 17, 2024, surrounded by his family, after a brave battle with cancer.
Born to Edward and Marie Mezger on November 19, 1964, in Carmel, N.Y. Ken was a 1983 graduate of Brewster High School. He met the love of his life, Melissa Gmerek, that same year, and they were married in 1986. Together they moved to Teays Valley, W.Va., in 1989, where they had their two daughters, Kayleigh and Taylor. They would reside in West Virginia until 2004, when the family relocated to Mooresville, N.C.
Ken is survived by Melissa, his wife of 38 years and the absolute light of his life; daughters, Kayleigh Mezger, and Taylor Mezger-Lewis and husband Casey Lewis; his grandson, Walker Lewis; siblings Debra Bryan of Vestal, N.Y., and Michael Mezger of Rochester, N.Y.; his mother-in-law, Ursula Gmerek of Mooresville, N.C.; and numerous brothers- and sisters-inlaw, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends — all of whom he loved deeply.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alfred and Lillian Ryerson, who raised him; father-in-law Walter Gmerek of Mooresville, N.C.; and his oldest brother, Edward Mezger of Chappaqua, N.Y.
Ken dedicated multiple decades to working in the auto industry. He started out by washing cars in high school, selling cars for many years, and eventually working his way up to finance manager, a position he maintained for the last 25 years of his career.
Ken completely embodied the phrase, “work hard, play hard.” Not only was he a skilled and devoted employee, winning many auto group sales competitions and awards, he was also always the life of the party! He relished time spent entertaining family and friends, telling the best stories and enjoying a great cocktail. Ken absolutely loved music, and there was rarely a moment in his life where there wasn’t music playing. He enjoyed live music as well, whether a large concert or a small set at a bar. He loved to laugh, garden and do yard work and travel. He loved to dance and was truly most content dancing with Melissa on their back deck together.
A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, at the Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all family, friends, hospice nurses, physicians and staff for the unwavering, compassionate and supportive care that was provided. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, or The American Cancer Society.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Mezger family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.