Merle M Messing

Merle served in the US Navy during WWII. He married Marion (Gehlhausen) on October 20th 1942 until her passing on December 30th 1971.He spent most of his life living and working in the greater Rockford area, being employed at J.I. Case, Barber Coleman, and Rockford Machine & Tool. He later married Esther (Metz, Provenzano) on March 15, 1973.

Merle is survived by his sons Sidney and Christopher, stepsons David and James Provenzano, a daughter Rebecca Earnst, grandson Paul Gentner, granddaughter Mary Kate Messing, great granddaughter Victoria Gentner, A sister Maxine VanWinkle, and a brother Lester Messing. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Lila Goeking and Irene Dux as well as a brother, Robert Messing.

A visitation will be held, beginning at 9am with a 10am service to follow at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park IL 61115. Reverend Carl Beekman will be officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hospice Care of America.

Online condolences can be submitted to www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.