STILLMAN VALLEY – Steven Vance Messer, age 56, died Saturday, June 1, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born April 21, 1963 in Rockford the son of Richard and Betty (Houpt) Messer.
He graduated from Byron High School in 1982 and then graduated from Wyoming Technical School in Dec. of 1982 with a degree in Diesel Mechanics. He married Brandie Way on Aug. 9, 1986 in Rockford. Steven worked for Lunde Truck Sales, Inc of Rockford, Joe Cooling & Sons, Inc. Sod Farms in Belvidere, and JX Peterbilt Truck Center in Rockford. Steven loved to fish, hunt, do yardwork, tinker in his garage, help local farmers with their repairs on their equipment. Steve also loved playing with his dog Deacon, he was an avid college football fan, and supported local high school athletics including; football, wrestling, girls golf and softball. Steve was extremely proud of his family and the accomplishments of his two kids.
He was predeceased by his brother Kevin Messer, grandfather Lester Houpt, and nephew Doug Way.
He is survived by his wife Brandie, son Brett Messer (Priscila Flygare), daughter Devan Messer (Seth Kuss) all of Stillman Valley, his parents Richard and Betty Messer of Byron, Brother Ron Messer (Paul Williams) of McKinney, Texas, Grandmother Vivian Houpt of Oregon, his parents-in-law Richard “Toby” and Pat Way of Byron, brother-in-law Richard “Toby” (Amy) Way of Phoenix, Arizona, and 2 nephews; Cody Way (Lacey Fitch), and Sam Way.
Funeral services were on Thursday, June 6th, 2019 at 2 pm at the funeral home, officiated by Deacon Pete Addotta O.S.F. Hospice Chaplin. Visitation was Wednesday evening, June 5th , 2019 at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 136 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Stillman Valley, IL from 5-8 p.m. A memorial fund is to be established in Steven’s name. To leave a condolence visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
