William "Bill" Messinger

William A. Messinger, 77, of Stewartville, MN died from lung cancer on Sunday (September 10, 2023) at Pinehaven Care Center in Pine Island, MN where he had been a resident since August of this year.

William Armond Messinger was born on June 15, 1946 in Golden, Colorado to William Ernest and Martha (Perry) Messinger. He was the 2nd of 6 children. He loved to go elk hunting with his Dad and brothers growing up. He attended Golden HS. Bill moved to Phoenix, AZ, and married Jana Vernon in 1967. They had 2 children - William David and Christy and they were later divorced. Bill then met Dee Loverink at Sambo's Restaurant in Phoenix in 1975. They were married on Jan 21, 1977 and moved to Minnesota in 1979. Bill was employed as a mechanic at  Hanson Tire in Rochester for 13 years. The family lived in Rochester for 2 years before moving to Stewartville where they raised their 4 children - April, David, Anette, and Lacy and have continued to make their home. Bill loved his children and was proud of each of his children. Bill managed the NAPA Store in Stewartville for 10 years and opened BMD Auto and Tire which he operated until 2008. In 2006 he was employed at Damascus Way Re-entry Center in Rochester. Damascus Way is a MN Department of Corrections-approved half-way house for men coming out of prison. He was a case manager tough but fair. Often over the years, Bill and Dee would invite some of the men out to their home on a Saturday afternoon for a home-cooked meal. The men loved it and were so happy to be at a regular home just to relax and visit. Many of these men kept in touch with a card or phone call and would tell Bill how important his tough but fair treatment had helped them to return to their lives. Bill retired when the Covid pandemic began due to health issues.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and going hunting with Dee's Uncles and cousins. He loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

We thank the staff at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna and the staff at Pinehaven Care Center for Bill's care.

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years Dee and 4 daughters - Christy Arrington of Owensboro, KY; April(Randy) Woodbury of Ankeny, IA; Anette Messinger of San Antonio, TX, and Lacy Hamilton of Kasson, MN; 15 grandchildren - Matt(Conny) Rosenboom, Stormie Arrington, Hunter Beard, Destiny(Jacob) Nash, Kaden, Colin and Abigail Woodbury, Isabell Marks, Danita and Mikayla Messinger, Liam and Paisley Southwick, Parker, Isaac, and Roman Hamilton;   6 great-grandchildren - Miles, Ryder, Clohe, Kalbe, Zoey and Connor; 4 siblings - Charlotte Stauffer, Jesse Messinger, Lee(Sherrie) Messinger, and Marty Norris and a niece and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 sons - David Garret and William David Messinger, his parents, his sister - Mae(Dave) Bradley, his sister-in-law - Diane Messinger, and brothers-in-law -  Jim Stauffer and Jerry Norris.

A Celebration Of Life for Bill will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday(September 22, 2023) at Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville with Pastor Gene Murrell officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held  from 11:00 AM to the time of service. Burial for Bill along side his son David, will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Austin after a time of fellowship and refreshment at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Bill are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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