William Stanley ‘Bill’ Messner, of Niles

Published 9:37 am Wednesday, May 27, 2015

William Stanley “Bill” Messner, 92, of Niles, Michigan died on Friday, May 22, 2015, at his home following an extended illness. He was born April 15, 1923, in Nappanee, Indiana to Merle Melvin and Mildred Jenette (Clark) Messner.

William Stanley ‘Bill’ Messner

Bill was a member of the Michiana Christian Embassy in Niles and was retired from the National Standard Wire Company after 32 years of service.

On April 15, 1940, in Paw Paw, Michigan, Bill married Mabel Lillian Johnson and with whom celebrated over 71 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2012. Also preceding him in death are two daughters, Dixie Brown and Sally Stewart; a grandson Byron Steele and a sister, Bonnie Jean Gafford.

Surviving family includes a daughter, Marilyn Steele of Niles; a son, David (Diane) Messner of Auburn, Washington; son-in-law William Stewart of Dowagiac, Michigan, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

The funeral service for William Stanley “Bill” Messner will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Rev. Jeffrey L. Whittaker of Michiana Christian Embassy officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning one hour before the time of service.

Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Michiana Christian Embassy, Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com