It has taken me a long time to be able to write this. The night before Chris passed he told me that "our story wasn't over. We were just beginning a new chapter. "  Chris and i met in 1980 , when we were working at the courthouse.  We became friends and began dating for a short time. We would run into each other at different band venues over the years and remained friends. In 1993 Chris and i began yet another chapter, but this time together. We were together for almost 7 years this time. But things happen. We remained friends talking occasionaly. We got together again in the months before he passed,  Remembering old times and friends we shared. We made plans to get together for a quiet night watching movies together. We made plans to go riding together. But the powers to be had other plans for Chris.  I just keep remembering what he told me,  " our story isn't over." 
I love you still Chris, and i believe in my heart that you were right. I will see you in our next life, so that we can write new chapters of "Our Life"  together. 
In the mean time hang with our friends, Randy, Terry, Lance, Kelly and Timmy and too many more to mention here and  I will see you again.
All my love, Kimi

I had to add this: Chris also turned me on to the band Badfinger & 3 of their songs were ours: 'Baby Blue'; 'Day After Day' & 'No Matter What'.  I still listen to them today. In fact 'Baby Blue' is on YT right now.
I almost forgot til just now, Chris used to call me 'Little Belly' & he was there when we had to put my dog Shultz to sleep right after we 1st got togeǰHe gave me my 1/2 Dob 1/2 German Ty-Dog for Christmas. We slid down a hill of mud while at a party then went to The Clothesline' a Drake bar/grill. I would drive to see Roze play all over Iowa. I went to Gilman IA where theyd rode their Harley's in any kind of weather, even riding them in the snow. 
When I was with Chris I always knew I was safe.

Chris & I were together for almost 10 yrs. We parted as friends & stayed friends. He even came to see me when I had my oldest daughter Stephani. He also met my other 2 daughters Taylor & Gabrielle. I met Chris in 1982 when Roze was playing at Inspiration Point on DSM south. We had a lot of fun & I have good memories of Chris. He was a genuinely good person. I remember he walked in the snow from his G-ma's by the fairgrounds clear to the south side to see me at my parents. I don't have a single bad memory of Chris. About a year before he passed, he hmu on FB. We were in contact a lot in those months. The night he passed, he sent me a vid on messenger & I replied "isn't it past ur bedtime? LOL". He never responded. I wish I would've said more. I miss him.

Chris, I learned alot from you on the road as Roze's sound and light man in the 80's, thanks for getting me in the Iowa rock and roll Hall of fame as the 5th member of the band! You and I were the A team! I love you brother, until we meet again, I'll see you on the flip side!

If you go to my name, William Haakinson, on You Tube several videos of Chris playing in Okoboji will pop up.  Please  forgive the sound and quality as it was recorded on a hand held camera.

Chris came into my life 9 or 10 years ago.  Jeff brought him into our band and we’ve been playing together ever since.   Not only was he an accomplished player and singer but his musical knowledge was vast whether it was about bands, individuals or equipment.  I loved our little discussions between songs where he would tell stories and comment on the tunes we were learning. He was a kind soul as I discovered with his love for his kitties. He gave one of his beloved cats, Jack White, to my daughter and stayed in touch with her following Jack’s progress. 
RIP my friend  

Susan -- I am sorry for the loss of your brother; he was much too young to go -- Bruce Kempkes, Earlham, IA

Chris,I'm going to miss you my brother.ill see you again in rocknroll heaven.now you hang with Randy and Terry until I get there you guys will need a roadie.💔😥🎸😎

I was in the Roze Band in with Chris from the late 80s to mid 90s.. I have been looking for him for a couple years only to find him here.. So sad. Prayers to family and friends.

OBITUARY

Christopher Lewis Messenger

August 11, 1961 – October 9, 2021

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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