Sherry J. Messerschmidt

Sherry Jean Messerschmidt, 73, died unexpectedly in an accident early Monday, August 25, 2025, near her home in Bucyrus.

She was born March 6, 1952, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the late Robert C. Riemland and Jeanne R. (Rizzo) Riemland Feltner. She was involved in choir and theater at Benton Harbor High School through 10th grade when her family moved to Bellevue, Ohio after the death of her father. At a dinner hosted by members of her congregation, Sherry met Dan Messerschmidt and his family who were up from Bucyrus. They eventually fell in love and were married November 14, 1970.

Sherry will be remembered as an outgoing and friendly conversationalist. If anything needed to be taken care of, she was the one many depended on to see that things were done well. She was thoughtful in remembering to give little gifts and she also loved to cook, a gift she enjoyed sharing with her granddaughter. Sherry had a competitive streak, especially when it came to playing cards. She woke up early for quiet time to reflect, watched old mysteries on television, and enjoyed her Benton Harbor class reunions.

Sherry also enjoyed traveling. She and Dan had visited all 48 continental states and made multiple trips to one of her favorite destinations, Disney World.

Sherry had a deep faith in Jehovah God and the Bible’s promises, including the promise of a resurrection. She worshiped at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Galion. Sherry worked for Dr. Ron Palenshus as a dental assistant for 25 years before joining The Timken Co. from which she retired after 19 years.

Sherry is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Daniel J. Messerschmidt; son, Zachary (Sarah) Messerschmidt; grandchildren, Maci Messerschmidt and Dylan Goff; brother, Larry (Beth) Riemland of St. Johns, Florida; nephew, Chad (Tracy) Riemland and their children Brad and Luke; niece, Laura Beth (Robert) Shell and their son Dane, all of St. Johns; niece, Kelly (Matt) Arpen and their children Gracie, Elias, and William of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law, Esther Feltner of Bellevue; sister-in-law, Christine (Jerry) Nelson; nephew, Thad (Stacey) Nelson and their children Addie, Isabel, and Maren of Mechanicsburg; nephew, Levi Nelson of Columbus; along with cousins and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by stepfather, Roy Feltner and brother, Larry Feltner.

Sherry’s family will receive friends as they gather on Thursday, September 4 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus from 4-7 pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 3:00 pm in the Galion Kingdom Hall, 915 Portland Way North, with David Kieffer officiating. She will be buried privately in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are encouraged to be made payable to Galion Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses or Bucyrus Athletic Boosters and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Sherry’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.