Laraine Kiihr Messing was born and raised in Detroit, MI, attending Nativity High School. Daughter of John and Helen (Priemer) Kiihr, she is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Tom (Janice) and Gary Kiihr. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 53 years, Larry, and her sons Jeff (Casey) Messing and Eric (Carla) Messing. She is grandmother to Vaughn and Emma Messing and Dom, Alyssa and Marcus Delaney; and her beloved grand-doggies, Izzy and Twyla.
Laraine worked for decades in Detroit and Grand Rapids in office and financial management, eventually serving as Vice President of Operations for a local unemployment tax consulting firm.
It was in retirement that Laraine, along with Larry, turned their hobby of being avid collectors into a thriving e-commerce business, RainMomShop. Laraine established herself as a vintage glassware expert and gained loyal customers around the world. She was so happy to extend her knowledge and build meaningful relationships with their clients.
Jeff and Eric acknowledge the tough lessons instilled in them and attribute their drive in life to their mother’s love and discipline. They would also like to credit the community that always stepped up to support the family during life’s most challenging times. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.
We will honor and celebrate Laraine with friends and family on Saturday, November 22 from 2-4pm in Wege Recital Hall at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join us.
