Gloria E Messerschmidt

Gloria was born to the Reverend Otto L. and Christine (nee Wilson) Messerschmidt on May 21, 1933 in Portage, Wisconsin. She joined older sisters, Edna and Ruth. On June 11, 1933 (her parents’ 17th wedding anniversary), her father baptized Gloria. He also confirmed her on June 23, 1947. Her confirmation verse was “The Lord is my Shepherd” Psalm 23.

After attending a one-room elementary school, Gloria graduated from Westfield High School in 1951. Next, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University in 1955. At Valpo, she also continued her training in organ performance. She had begun playing the organ while in seventh grade. In 1968, Gloria earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Upon college graduation, Gloria moved to Chicago to live with her mother and sister Edna. School District 70 in Morton Grove would be her first, and only, employer. Her teaching career spanned an amazing 46 years! She loved helping first graders to read for the first time as well as introducing them to math, writing sentences, handwriting (manuscript) and many other subjects.

When Gloria moved to Chicago, she became very active at St. Philip Lutheran Church, where her sister Edna taught and was Executive Assistant in the Parish. Gloria sang in the choir, played handbells, and was an organist for both German and English services. Gloria wrote articles for the monthly newsletter called “The Echo” and became St. Philip’s unofficial historian. After she retired from teaching, Gloria found time to be a receptionist at St. Philip’s Early Childhood Center. Gloria enjoyed making calls to individuals unable to attend church in person.

Gloria was passionate about music. At Valpo, she joined the music fraternity, Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI). After college, she became active in SAI’s Chicago alumnae chapter. Gloria received many SAI awards including the Diamond Sword Award of Honor, Ring of Excellence, and Rose of Honor. Gloria served SAI on many committees and held numerous local and national offices, including Chapter President and National Fraternity Education Director. She travelled to and participated in many SAI conventions as well as presenting at workshops at various College and SAI Province Meetings.

Gloria also served on her condo Board, including 33 years as Secretary.

Gloria is survived by her niece, Ellen Reitz; nephew Phil (Peggy) Reitz; great nephews David (Kristen Linscott) Reitz and Bill (Kait Lavinder) Reitz; great, great nieces Nora, Claire, and Zoe Reitz; and other relatives and friends. Those preceding her in death include her parents; sisters; her brother-in-law, David Reitz; nephew, Paul Reitz; and other relatives and friends.

Gloria will be remembered and missed. She would want us to remember to stay close to our Lord and continue to fight the good fight like she did. Gloria knew that Jesus was her Redeemer and He lives and that she has eternal life through Him.

Visitation will be held at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625, on November 20, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Visitation prior to the memorial service will take place at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 2500 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60659, on November 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 2500 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, on November 21, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with Pastor Bob Rickman and Pastor Thomas Engel, and lunch to follow at St. Philip.