Nov. 29, 1934 - Oct. 31, 2012

ELKHART — Gerald "Jerry" Messier, 77, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at Golden Living Center in Elkhart.

He was born Nov. 29, 1934, in Escanaba, Mich., to Arthur A. and Hannah (Gauthier) Messier.

Survivors include his wife, Martha J. Messier of Goshen; three daughters, Monica (Curtis) Elliott of Middlebury, Tracy (Randall) Maier of Indianapolis and Danielle (Steve) Brooks of Elkhart; three sons, Brian (Debra) Messier of Goshen, Ronald (Theresa) Messier of Elkhart and Tony (Katy) Messier of Indianapolis; sister Judith (John) Fisher of Gladstone, Mich.; two brothers, Arthur R. Messier of Escanaba and Paul "Butch" Messier of Lockport, Ill.; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Clarice Messier; two sisters, Anita Wolfe and Estelle Fraddo; brother Donald Messier; and a grandson, Andrew Maier.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1956 and was stationed in Germany.

He later worked for more than 32 years as a shipping/receiving clerk at Crosbie Foundry.

He was a member and deacon of First Congregational UCC in Elkhart and a volunteer at Center for Healing and Hope.

Jerry enjoyed bowling, volunteering his time and helping others. He also was a trivia enthusiast.

The family will receive friends for two hours prior to the 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, memorial service at First Congregational Church, 431 S. Third St., Elkhart. The Rev. Dick Dunn will officiate.

DAV Chapter 19 and the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard will render military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Center for Healing and Hope.

Online condolences may reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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