LeRoy Messmer

LeRoy Franklin Messmer, age 93, of rural Elizabeth, Illinois, passed away at home with his family by his side, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

LeRoy was born April 26, 1933, in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, the son of Roy and Lillie (Rath) Messmer. He grew up in the country and attended Oliver Country School.

As a young man, LeRoy proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War era. He served as an aircraft armament mechanic and attained the rank of Corporal.

After returning home, LeRoy worked at the Savanna Army Depot and also spent his life farming. He was the kind of man who understood hard work, responsibility, and the value of doing what needed to be done. He was also known to enjoy auctions and sales as he loved antiques. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, berry picking, making homemade wine, cutting wood, making fence, tearing down barns and sheds, visiting and reminiscing with friends and family.

While working at the Savanna Army Depot, LeRoy met the love of his life, Betty Lea Bertsch. The two were married on May 19, 1963, 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. Betty passed away on January 15, 2026, just a few months before LeRoy.

LeRoy loved his family deeply. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and had a soft spot for babies. His family will remember him as a steady presence, a hardworking farmer, a proud Marine, and a man whose life was centered around home and family.

LeRoy will be dearly missed by his four daughters, Rene (Carl) Albrecht, Audrey (Irv) Geisz, Jean (Mark) Wachter, and Carlene (Ron) Haring; his 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 his great-grandchildren, Hudson, Parker, Camden, Raylan, Gracelynn, Evelynn, Hazel, Daniel, Arlo, Kate, Cooper, Colson and Case; and his good friend and partner in crime, Bill Delp.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Roy and Lillie Messmer; by his grandson, Rhett Geisz; and siblings, Carl Messmer, Arlie Smith, Marcella Zink, Blanche Fry, Floyd Messmer and Edwin Messmer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Massbach, with Rev. David Russell officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll.

The family wishes to thank MercyOne Trinity Hospice.