Marion Paul "Spike" Messman

Marion Paul Messman, 94, of McHenry formerly of Woodstock, died Sunday March 4, 2018 at his home in McHenry.

He was born in Sadorus, Illinois on October 5, 1923 to Fredrick and Louise (Hornung) Messman. He married Grace Thompson in October of 1946.

He moved with his family of 11 brothers and sisters to Woodstock when he was 6 years old. He attended Lutheran and public schools in Woodstock, before enlisting in the U.S. Army at 19 years old. He spent most of his time during WWII in the Pacific Theatre, serving as an engineer. In January, 1946, he returned home, and met his war time pen pal Grace Thompson. They were married in October of that year.

Over the next 40 years, he worked at Woodstock Die Cast, Luton Paints, and other part time jobs to help provide for a family of 6 kids. In his spare time, he hand built their first home on Clay Street. He also enjoyed horseshoes and bowling. One of his recent highlights in life was taking an “Honor Flight” to Washington D.C., to tour the war monuments.

He is survived by his wife of 71 loving years, Grace Messman; his children, Jerry, Ed, Steve (Diane), Peter and Elizabeth; grandchildren, Salina Messman, Hannah Messman, Tony Franke, Briana (Grant) Kolhase, Tom Messman, Autumn Messman, Christopher Messman, Gary Fike and Katie Fike; great grandchildren, Lily and Ella Franke and Hadley Kolhase.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Brian; also 7 brothers and 4 sisters.

The visitation will be held on Friday March 9, 2018 starting at 10 am until the funeral service at 12 pm at the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home 1211 N. Seminary Ave. Woodstock.  Interment will be in the McHenry County Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either the Woodstock VFW, or JourneyCare Hospice Foundation.

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