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Donna Lillian Messner, age 82, of Centreville, passed away Sunday afternoon, Nov. 9, 2014, at her home. She was born Nov. 14, 1931, in LaGrange County, Ind., a daughter of the late John M. and Lucille G. (McElhenie) Sigrist. Donna’s early life was lived in South Bend and Fort Wayne, Ind., until at age 11 the family moved to Sturgis. She was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1950.
On July 30, 1948, she married RichardMessner in Angola, Ind.
Donna first and foremost was a stay-at-home mother, dedicated wife and homemaker. She had been employed by Elaine’s Dress Shop, Jackman’s Drug Store, David’s Dairy Bar and Transogram Company, all in Sturgis, and worked in the family business, Sigrist Furniture, also in Sturgis.
Donna was a member of Klinger Lake Country Club and several card clubs. She and Dick built and lived in eight different houses that she enjoyed designing and decorating. Donna had a true love and appreciation for animals, especially her yorkies, cairn terriers and poodles.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 66 years, Richard; a daughter, Jackie (Joe) Locker of DelWebb, Fla.; two sons, Richard (Anne) Messner and Fred (Carol) Messner, both of Sturgis; five grandchildren, RyanMessner, Sean Messner, Anthony Messner, Jennifer Kim and Gretchen Locker; two great grandchildren, Ella Kim and Alexander Kim; a brother, Ralph (Linda) Sigrist of Sturgis; and several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30 at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating the life of Donna Messner will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1 at First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Jean Koughn and Pastor Bob Keim will officiate. A graveside committal of the ashes will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
With Donna’s love for animals, the family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation inMrs. Messner’s memory consider Pet Haven, P.O. Box 853, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
