Betty Lea Messmer

Betty Lea Messmer, age 84, of rural Elizabeth, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin, following a short illness.

Betty was born July 23, 1941, in Savanna, Illinois, the daughter of Charles and Lorraine “Rene” (Burke) Bertsch. She grew up on the family farm, attended country school, and graduated from Hanover High School with the Class of 1959. She later attended business college in Dubuque, Iowa.

Betty worked for a time at the Savanna Army Depot, where she met the love of her life, LeRoy Messmer. On May 19, 1963, Betty and LeRoy were married at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work, raising four daughters: Rene, Audrey, Jean, and Carlene.

Known as a devoted farm wife, a talented homemaker, and a “grandma extraordinaire,” Betty poured her heart into caring for her family. She loved watching her grandchildren, attending their events, cooking for them, and keeping them busy with activities that created the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Her pride in her grandchildren was unmistakable, and she had a special gift for making each one feel loved.

Betty’s life was deeply connected to the 4-H community. A longtime leader and supporter, she was involved with 4-H “Top Notchers” for 50 years, cheering on her children and helping pass along skills that mattered—perseverance, responsibility, showing livestock with confidence, and doing things the right way. She also enjoyed her time with the Home Extension beginning in 1990 and valued the friendships and shared learning it brought.

In quieter moments, Betty enjoyed puzzles, watching Survivor and westerns, and playing board games and cards with her grandchildren—usually with plenty of laughter at the table. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Massbach.

Betty was especially known for her cooking—her deviled eggs and angel food cake were family favorites—and for the way she passed on not just recipes, but the work ethic and grit that shaped her life. She taught her family to show up, keep going, and take pride in honest work.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Leroy; her four daughters, Rene (Carl) Albrecht, Audrey (Irv) Geisz, Jean (Mark) Wachter and Carlene (Ron) Haring; thirteen grandchildren, Adam (Allison) Albrecht, David Albrecht, Sam Albrecht, Laura (Daniel) Spillane, Jessica Albrecht, Lucas Albrecht, Codie (Nathan) Koester, Austin (Natalie) Wachter, Corey (Lauren) Wachter, Dalton Wachter, Brady Haring and Izzy (Hayden) Haring; along with twelve great grandchildren, Hudson, Parker, Camden, Raylan, Gracelynn, Evelynn, Hazel, Daniel, Arlo, Kate, Cooper, Colson and another great grandchild on the way. She is preceded in death by a grandson, Rhett Geisz; and both parents.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Massbach. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will follow the service immediately. Burial will take place afterward at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.