Richard A. Messman

Richard A. Messman, age 83, lifelong resident of Two Rivers, entered eternal life with his Savior on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Meadow View Assisted Living.

Richard was born in Two Rivers on November 14, 1939 to Alfred and Alma (Schultz) Messman and was baptized into God's family at St. John's Lutheran Church on December 10, 1939. On December 17, 1966 he was united in marriage to Betty Richmond at St. John's Lutheran Church in Two Rivers. The couple was blessed with 56 years of marriage and four children.

After graduating from Washington High School in 1957, Richard worked various factory and construction jobs. In 1973, he purchased a farm which he owned & operated the rest of his years, building a life for his family. He had a great love for his family farm and the land, and for many years served as a 4-H dairy leader. Richard enjoyed camping, bowling, baseball, and horses. He especially enjoyed playing cards and having an old fashioned or two with his family and friends.

Richard was a life-long member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Two Rivers where he served on the church council; the school board; buildings and grounds committee; and was instrumental in the snow removal at the church and school grounds. He was also a long-time member of the Lutheran Men's Club and St. John's Choir.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Todd (Beth) Messman; daughters, Tracy (Dan) Peeschek, and Cassandra Messman (special friend, Jared), all of Two Rivers; grandchildren: Kaylee (Matt) Swanson, Brian Messman, and Gavin Messman (special friend, Arianna); and one great-granddaughter, Everleigh Grace Messman. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law: Connie Messman, Allen LeClair, and Carol (Don) Ahrndt; as well as dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Alma Messman; one infant son, Troy; one sister, Marilyn LeClair; one brother, Ronald Messman; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Leona Richmond.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3607 45th Street, Two Rivers. Rev. David Arndt will preside at the service. Burial will take place in Forest View Cemetery, Two Rivers.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. John's Lutheran Church, Saturday morning from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. There will be no Friday evening visitation.

The funeral service will be live streamed on rmessman.sjtworivers.org or you can visit the St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Online condolences may be sent to the Messman family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Messman family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to thank Erv and Zack Coenen, Dave Kleckner, and Don Vandenack for their role in helping Richard continue to run the farm he loved in his last years. Special thanks also to the staff of Meadow View Assisted Living for their compassionate care extended to Richard; and the many friends who made regular visits to Richard during his time at Meadow View. He truly enjoyed those visits. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Pastor Arndt for his prayers, visits, comforting words and assistance.

Faith and family were the pillars of Richard's life. He lived his life knowing full well that he would one day receive the crown of life in heaven...........

I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home.