MESSIER, Richard Frank 1922-2012

MESSIER, GARDNER, NIMICK

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 12/9/2012 at 13:40:06

Richard Frank Messier

Nora Springs, Iowa - Richard Frank Messier, 90, of Nora Springs, and formerly of Rockford, died Thursday, December 6, 2012, at the Nora Springs Care Center.

Richard was born July 31, 1922, in Nora Springs, to Erwin G. Messier and Ruth E. (Gardner) Messier. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Nimick on December 31, 1940. To this union, three sons were born: Dennis (deceased) and wife, Joy; Kirk and wife, Karen, and Bryce and wife, Sharon.

Richard has five grandchildren: Justine, Christian, Deanna, Alecia and Jason. He also has many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his son Dennis; his sister Pauline Bucheifter in 2003 and her husband, Cecil; and his parents Erwin and Ruth.

He attended schools in Nora Springs and Rudd. In 1943, he graduated from the National College of Electricity, Los Angeles, Calif.

Richard was very community minded and served on many committees, both local and county. He served as trustee for the United Methodist church, served on the board of commissioners of the Floyd County Hospital and was chairman of the Selective Service Board and Board of Review. He was postmaster in Rockford for 21 years before retiring.

He served on the Rockford School Board and was a member of the Rockford Volunteer Fire Department for 33 years.

Richard served as a cubmaster and was very active in managing the Junior Legion baseball program. He was chairman of the building committee for the three Manor apartment buildings built in Rockford. He was chairman of the Rockford Medical Clinic building committee.

Richard served on the Rockford City Council and was mayor for many years. He was active in creating the "chain gang" for the school and served for 44 years, only missing five games during that time. He was an active member of the Rockford American Legion Post 1338 for 50 years and served in many capacities. Richard was a veteran of World War II, serving with 569th AAA in the European Theater, where he was attached to the 7th Army and served under Gen. George S. Patton.

Per Richard's wishes his body was cremated, and he requested no visitation or church services. Committal services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Rockford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to any of the following in care of the family: Iowa Hospice, 18 E. Main St., New Hampton IA 50659; Rockford Volunteer Fire Department; Rockford American Legion Post 1338; Nora Springs Care Center, Nora Springs IA 50458.

[Source: Globe Gazette, December 9, 2012]