WILSON - Velda L. Messersmith, 89, N14606 County Road 551, Wilson, passed away on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, at Emmons Adult Care Home in Bark River.
She was born on Feb. 15, 1921, in Taylor County, Wis., the daughter of William F. and Eda Mae (Smith) Schwark. Velda attended school through the 11th grade then she went to work to help support the family.
On April 21, 1940, Velda married Irvin Herman Messersmith in Gladstone.
Velda was a very hard worker all her life. She lived and worked with her husband, Irvin, on their dairy farm where she milked cows, grew a large garden every summer and raised six children.
She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking, canning and taking an occasional motorcycle trip with her husband. She loved people, had a wonderful sense of humor and was very kind and giving to everyone around her. Velda especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She will be great missed by everyone who knew her.
She had a deep faith in God and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Wilson for over 70 years.
Velda was greatly involved in community services throughout the years and made many quilts to give anyone in need.
Among survivors include her children, Keith Messersmith of LaMar, Colo., Clair Messersmith of Beloit, Wis., Gailyn (Valerie) Messersmith of Bark River, Leroy (Nancy) Messersmith of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Leslie (Nancy) Messersmith of Wilson, and Darlene (Howard) Walden of Eau Claire, Mich.; grandchildren, Darrell (Espe) Messersmith, John (Aurora) Messersmith, Kristi (Andy) Lloyd, Bruce (Jenny) Messersmith, Becky Messersmith, KC DeRoeck, Colin DeRoeck, Aleta (Bruce) Hurt, Andy (Julie) Messersmith, Annette (Sean) O'Connor, Micky (Richard) Wilde, Jesse (Gladys) Messersmith, Jamie (Glen) Pearson, Jason (Melanie) Messersmith, Marcus (Kristy) Messersmith, Curt (Jessica) Walden, and Carrie (Terry) Nennich; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by a brother, Walter (Hazel) Schwark of Hopkinsville, Ky.; sister, Alice Westrich of Menominee Falls, Wis.; brothers-in-law, Earl Messersmith of Wilson, and Alfred Kretschmer of Medford, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.
Velda was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin; infant son, Lyle Messersmith; daughter-in-law, Joyce Messersmith; brothers, Elmer, Clarence, William, Arnold, and Franklin; and sisters, Mildred, Lucy, Agnes and Ida.
Visitation will be on Friday, March 5, from 1 to 2 p.m. (CST) at the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist Church with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. (CST) with Pastor Bela Kobor officiating. Following the service, there will be a meal served at the Wilson Junior Academy.
Burial will be in the Wilson Seventh-day Adventist Church Cemetery.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Messersmith family.
