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Dr. Andrew L. Messenger M.D.

1921 - 2019

Andrew Messenger Obituary

Dr. Andrew L. Messenger M.D.

Riverdale - Dr. Andrew L. Messenger (A.L.) age 97 passed away peacefully in his sleep March 26, 2019. He was born November 4, 1921 in Perry, MI to Andrew W. and Birdie G. Messenger. He graduated from Perry High School in 1939 with a baseball scholarship and was the only student in his class to attend college. He played baseball at Western Michigan University until his arm was injured so he decided to pursue a medical degree. He then graduated from Wayne State University Medical School and completed his internship at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing Michigan. As a physician, he continued doing family practice for a year and a half until the Korean War called him. There he worked as a medic and received the bronze star. Upon his return home he continued with family practice medicine in Portland Michigan until 1956. At this time he moved his family to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania's dermatology program, graduating in 1959. He practiced dermatology in Lansing, Michigan along with multiple dermatology offices in Charlotte, Alma, and Mt. Pleasant Michigan. Dr. A.L. Messenger always put his patients first, worked long hours and made house and hospital calls. At the age of 80 he decided to slow down, by working 8 hours a day instead of 10. In 2005, at the age of 83 he decided it was time to retire. His retirement included reading his dermatology journals everyday and always being available to help when his expertise was needed. His love for dermatology and work ethic saved and helped many people. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved giving his children and grandchildren the opportunity to enjoy fishing, hunting, forestry and spending time in the Upper Peninsula.

Dr. Messenger is survived by his children, Andrea Van de Kamp of California, Dr. Andrew W. (Vicki) Messenger of St. Johns, Charmine (Clifford) Rone of Oregon, Dr. Gregory (Traci) Messenger of East Lansing, Dr. Jeffrey L (Mardelle) Messenger of Perry and Ernie (Patrick) Messenger McBride of North Carolina; 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Howard R. and sister, Betty Hoffman.

There will be a private celebration of life service for Dr. Messenger at a later date. Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Mar. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by McGeehan Funeral Homes Keck-Coleman Chapel.

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Leinonen Family

October 17, 2019

A.L. will long be remembered as a pioneer, visionary, naturalist, physician and friend.

Yolanda Garza

April 1, 2019

Dr. Messenger was a very nice man. I started going to him for appts when I was a very young girl and through adulthood. He was always kind, and gave his patients time to ask questions. May he RIP. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

Yolanda Garza

Doug & Judith Bradman

March 31, 2019

Dr. Messenger had a smile for his patients & always treated me well. Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Greg & the Messenger family.

March 31, 2019

Dr. Messenger always took the time to explain the problem and what the treatment was. He treated me as a child, then my husband and son.
Our deepest condolences to Dr. Greg and your family.
Nancy and Rich Jenkins

March 27, 2019

The best mentor I ever could have known,saying THANK_YOU hardly gets it,My love and passion for Dermatology was initiated by A.L.Messenger.I hope to see him again, DEO VOLENTE.Ronald C Miller D.O.F.A.O.C.D.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

McGeehan Funeral Homes Keck-Coleman Chapel

1500 Waterford Pkwy., Saint Johns, MI 48879

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