Richard A. Messersmith

Richard A. Messersmith, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Sanford, Michigan, on July 5, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side. He was born on May 19, 1942, in Midland to the late Eugene and Fannie (Probst) Messersmith.

On November 14, 1970, Richard married the love of his life, Janet (Trudell) Messersmith. Together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Richard dedicated many years of his career as a printing operator for the Midland Daily News. Outside of work, he was a man who placed family above all else. He had a deep passion for fishing and enjoyed playing shuffleboard—a game in which he excelled and was affectionately referred to by his daughter as the "Master of Shuffleboard." Richard also found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as receiving back scratches from his wife.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Janet; his children, Roxanne (Tom) Woodcock, Jeff (Kandy) Messersmith, James (Cindy) Norton, and Terri Jo (Guy) Johnson; grandchildren, Amy (Ben) Malanga, Paul Norton, Tory (Zach) Hughes, Riann Runyun, Kade (Danna) Messersmith, Tucker (Victoria) DuLude, Michael (Katie) Roberts, and Austin DuLude; 17 great-grandchildren; his sister Sharron (Maynard) Hyer; and his loyal dog Annie, whom he lovingly called his best friend. Richard was predeceased by his parents and brothers Edward, William, and Donald Messersmith.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Wilson Miller Funeral Home in Midland. Friends and family are invited to gather for visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to an organization of one’s choice