Josie M. Messenger

Josephine Mary Crnjak Messenger, also known as Mrs. Josie, passed away on December 13th, peacefully at her home. She was a devoted wife of 63 years and the mother of 9 children. Mrs. Josie will always be remembered for the joy and happiness that she and her husband provided to so many people with the countless hours they devoted in creating the Messenger’s Christmas Land since 1964, a family tradition which has grown and still continues to this day. Although, she raised 9 children of her own, 46 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, she was also known for loving and caring for countless other children through the years with her daycare. She provided many meals as a volunteer through the Bishop Ott Shelter, Society of St Vincent de Paul. Josie, Mawmaw Josie, loved her camp at Old River. Her grandchildren remember her water skiing even up until the age of 80. She could out fish the best. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Clyde Messenger, her mother Anna Rose Popich Crjnak and her father John Thomas Crnjak. Survivors include their 9 children: Clyde Messenger III and wife Karen, Bobby Messenger and wife Cindy, Terry Messenger and wife Tara, Larry Messenger and wife Donita, Donnie Messenger, Billy Messenger and wife Melinda, Timmy Messenger and wife Gloria, Cindy Messenger Palombo and husband Jude, and Danny Messenger and wife Alys. She is also survived by 46 grandchildren: Tracie, Amy, Paul, Eric, Joey, John, Jeremy, Joseph, Courtney, Gerard, Blake, Catherine, Natalie, Michelle, Jenny, Bobby, Taylor, Tammy, Christy, Caitlin, Adrian, Michaila, Nathan, Christopher, Lillian, Michael, Stephen, Philip, Mandy, Billy, John, Matt, Rossi, Josh, Kimberly, Tim, Dylan, Myles, Hampton, Gracie, Sophie, Paul, Andrew, Patrick, Pierre and Nancy. She was blessed with 62 great-grandchildren. Visiting will be Friday, December 16 at St Louis King of France 2121 North Sherwood Forest Blvd at 9 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am con-celebrated by Rev. Michael Alello, Rev. Jack Nutter, Rev. Timothy Hedrick and Rev. Jeff Bayhi. Interment will be held at Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be the eldest sons of each of the nine children: Paul, Bobby, Taylor, Nathan, Christopher, Billy, Rossi, Dylan and Andrew. We want to mention our sincere appreciation for all the love and care given to our mom by Shirley Drake, Evon Smith, Katherine Kirsch and New Century Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Louis King of France Catholic Church.