Dick Messner, Sr., 94

Richard “Dick” Lewis Messner, Sr., age 94, of Centreville, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born November 11, 1927 in Sturgis, son of the late Freddie and Cora Mae (Nihart) Messner.
Dick resided in St. Joseph County all of his life where he attended both Sturgis and White Pigeon schools, graduating in 1945 from White Pigeon High School where he lettered in three sports.
On July 30, 1948 he married the love of his life, Donna Lillian Sigrist in Angola. She preceded him in death November 9, 2014.
Dick enlisted in the United States Army in 1945, went to Officers Candidate School at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, and received further training decoding at the University of Illinois. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He continued his military service in the Michigan National Guard retiring with the rank of Captain in 1967 after 20 years of service. He served as Commander of his unit and was a founding member of the steering committee to build the Sturgis Armory. Dick participated in the rededication of the armory in 2016.
He was employed by Sigrist Furniture and in 1963 became co-owner with his brother-in-law Ralph Sigrist, until his retirement in 1993.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, held life memberships in B.P.O. Elks #1381 and Neiman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion who recognized him for reaching his 70th anniversary. Dick was also a member of the Downtown Development Sturgis Association, Sturgis Lions Club, a member and past president of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and served on the Sturgis City Commission. He served as president of the Klinger Lake Country Club and board member for 8 years. Dick continually supported the Salvation Army until his death.
Dick was an avid golfer playing two to three rounds a week at both at Island Hills in Centreville and the Klinger Lake Country Club. He also never missed University of Michigan sports on television or attending in person with friends in the past. Dick also traveled and played with senior golfers around the area. His other love was traveling with his wife, Donna to their winter home in Sebring, Florida.
He is survived by two sons: Richard L. (Anne) Messner, Jr. of Sturgis and Freddie M. Messner of Sturgis; one daughter: Jackie L. (Joe) Locker of Davenport, Florida; five grandchildren: Jennifer (Keith) Kim, Ryan Messner, Gretchen Locker, Tony Messner and Sean Messner; two great grandchildren: Alexander and Ella Kim; one sister: Julie of Florida and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Donna, daughter-in-law: Carol Messner and two sisters: Joanne and Susie.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. The family requests that masks be worn while in the funeral home. A private family memorial service will be held in the Kimball Chapel of the First United Methodist in Sturgis. Private interment of the remains will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Messner’s memory consider the Sturgis Salvation Army, 105 S. Fourth St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.