James Messmann

James W. Messmann, 79, a resident of Huntertown, died at 11:55 a. m. on Friday, October 5, 2007, at the Provena Sacred Heart Home in Avilla. He had been in declining health for some time, and had been seriously ill since July. Mr. Messmann was born on January 17, 1928 in New Haven, a son of Edward and Mary Jane "Mae" (Ward) Messmann, and spent his early years there. He moved to Huntertown as a young man, and was married there on July 18, 1949 to Mardell M. Smith. An inspector with International Harvester, he retired from there in 1980 after 36 years. He was a charter member of Our Hope Lutheran Church in Huntertown, and was a member of the Garrett Eagles Aerie 1357, and the Sons of the American Legion in Monroeville. In his leisure time he enjoyed going to the lake, fishing, gardening, and most especially enjoyed his children and grandchildren. The surviving relatives include his wife Mardell, to whom he was married for over 58 years; his two daughters and sons-in-law Corine and Arnold Bailey and LuAnn and Richard Linker, all of Fort Wayne; his sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Cathy Messmann and Robert and Kelly Messmann, all of Huntertown; eight grandchildren Justin Bailey, Shanda Linker, Shane Linker, Nathan (Amy) Messmann, Jason Messmann, Angie Messmann, Madison Messmann, and Morgan Messmann; and two great-grandchildren Grace Messmann and Audrey Messmann. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and by seven brothers. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday, October 8, 2007, at the Our Hope Lutheran Church in Huntertown with Pastors Philip Schamehorn and Joe Fichtner, officiating. The family will receive friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Sunday from 2 to 7 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Huntertown Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be directed to Our Hope Lutheran Church & School, 1826 Trinity Street, Huntertown, IN 46748 or Huntertown Volunteer Fire Department. ******************************************** To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Messmann's name, please click on "Condolence" below. . .