William Terry Messer

In Memory of William “Terry” Messer

February 14th, 1949 – November 13th, 2024

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather & coach

The Love of the Game

The Time

The Effort

The Pain

The Passion

The Courage

You sacrificed it all for

The Love of The Game

Happiness

Spirit

Dreams

Success

Respect

Enthusiasm

You gained it all from

The Love of the Game

He was born February 14th, 1949 in Oregon, IL. Son of William & Thelma (Ray) Messer. He attended Mt. Morris schools and was a proud Mounder. He married his high school sweetheart Janice (McGinnis) Messer on December 23rd, 1967 and celebrated nearly 57 years together.  After high school, he was a photoengraver at Kable Printing in Mt. Morris until he retired at the age of 62. He also coached Blackhawk Jr. Tackle football and then coached at Sterling Newman Central Catholic High School. He was proud to be a part of a coaching staff that led their team to five state championships, but his greatest love was his family.

Terry is survived by his wife Janice, his three sons William “Rob” (Shelley) Messer, Todd (Kayla) Messer,  Eric (Alfredo Aldana) Messer. His sister Sharon Maree, her three sons Chris (Candy) Huffman, Dusty (Kim) Huffman and Jay Huffman. He was blessed with seven grandchildren Bailey (Kevin) Wolf, Tatum (Brad) Fish, Sean Messer, Breanna (Aaron) Tewksbury, Andrew Messer, Colin Messer and Giuliana Messer along with four great grandchildren, Emersyn and Landry Wolf, Atticus and Lincoln Fish, and four great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and mother and father in-law.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 23, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. in the Mt. Morris Moose Lodge, Moose Lane, Mt. Morris, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials to the Mt. Morris Fire Department.