On May 9, 1953, a baby boy was born minutes before his sister and never failed to remind her of that for the rest of their days. Marvin Richard Messenger spent his early years in a town so small it is not even on the map anymore. From life on a farm to life on a fish hatchery, his early years were filled with adventure and a lot of fishing. He was even the first young man to ever take a home economics class in his high school! His sense of humor was unparalleled, and when he and his buddies, Dave, Sarge, Ron, and Wayne got together, you knew a good time was going to be had by all. He attended Hibbing Tech School to learn the art of becoming a chef. Marv then moved his training to Switzerland and France. His European training served him well throughout his career, which saw him rise from cooking in a diner to being the Executive Chef for many exclusive clubs in Southwest Florida. That’s where he met his soulmate, Julie. They loved the outdoors, and their Floridian lifestyle was conducive to that. Kayaking with dolphins and manatees, boating with cherished Keys Group friends, and ending the day on the beach at sunset with his favorite wine and gal, made his life complete. Their daughter Becca was the light of his life. He loved her dearly and treasured their time together, playing in the pool, kayaking, and cooking and being ridiculous together. Being with Dave during those years in Bonita was beyond compare. Fly-in float plane fishing trips to Canada with Dave, Ryan and Wayne were his favorite getaways. After 51 years in the restaurant industry, Marv hung up his toque, and he and Julie moved to Texas, nearer Julie’s family and especially Becca. Who knew that a pandemic would provide even more time for them together, full of laughs and love. Those 18 months were an especially poignant gift, particularly now. Marv will be truly missed by everyone who ever knew him. He was that kind of guy.
Marv is survived by his best girl, Julie, who married him on the beach in Florida 28 years ago, and their daughter Becca who came along the next winter and completed their family. Also missing him fiercely are his mother Joanne, his brother John and wife Penny, his sister Nancy and husband Kendal, sister Gretchen and her main guy Dave, sister Jane and her husband Max, and little sister Amy and husband Rich. Marv has many nieces and nephews, as well as cousins who will cherish their memories of him. Marv also treasured his extended family of Websters, and especially, his buddy, Dave.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Richard, his father-in-law Remington, and mother-in-law Madeline, as well as his many aunts and uncles who went before him.
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Florence, Texas. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to consider a memorial in his name to the Operation Liberty Hill Food Pantry, or the Save the Boundary Waters Wilderness Preservation fund.
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