Richard Henry Messman

1944 - 2025

Richard Henry Messman

March 29, 1944 - September 7, 2025

Richard Henry Messman of DeForest Wisc., passed away surrounded by his wife, adult children, and other close family on Sunday, September 7th, after a short illness precipitated from his battle with cancer.

Rick was born on March 29, 1944. The son of Earl and Sybil Messman, Rick was educated in a one room school house through 8th grade. He graduated from Waukesha HS in 1962, where he ran track and cross country. After graduation, Rick attended the University of Wisconsin, where he studied Marketing and became a full fledged Badger fan for life. Rick obtained his Masters in Marketing in 1971 after serving a tour in Vietnam as an Intelligence Officer from 1968-1971. Rick was very proud of his service in the Army and attended reunions regularly with his many friends from Officer Candidate School (OCS-68).

Rick lived in Madison for over 20 years where he raised two children, Brian and Kathleen, with his former wife Suzanne. As a family they were avid skiers in the UP and at Steamboat in Colorado. They enjoyed camping road trips throughout the US and Canada, hiking in national parks and annual trips to Door County with friends. Rick married Rebecca Witherspoon in August 2005 and they have lived in DeForest Wisc. since fall of 2006. Rick and Rebecca loved to travel internationally and throughout the US, in particular to Messman family reunions. Together with Rebecca and his children, Rick enjoyed quality time at "The Cottage" in northern Wisc. cruising the lake on his pontoon, grilling brats and burgers, and crafting a mean Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned. Rick was a devoted Badger Football season ticket holder and a loyal Packer fan and proud Packer owner.

Rick was a man of strong faith who committed himself deeply to service at church both at First United Methodist Church in Madison and then for almost 30 years at High Point Church and a longtime participant of BSF. Rick led the DivorceCare Ministry for more than 20 years where he supported countless people with care and grace as they healed from separation and divorce.

Above all, Rick was a loving husband, father and friend. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Witherspoon; his children, Brian and Kathleen (Will Buckingham); and his step children, Andrew Witherspoon (Suna Lyu) and Lexington "Sue" Witherspoon. Also by his three grand daughters, two of whom share his birthday. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Sybil.

Rick fought the good fight and while our sadness is deep, we know that Rick is in a better place and free of any suffering. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the team at the VA Hospital in Madison who cared for Rick and to the entire VA family for the moving and memorable final salute given to Rick after his passing.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 1st, All Saint's Day, at 1 p.m. at High Point Church, 7702 Old Sauk Road, Madison, WI 53717. Visitation will occur immediately preceding the service from 12 to 1 p.m. with a tailgate brat fry immediately following the service. We are encouraging those who join us to celebrate the life of Rick by wearing their Badger or Packer gear or colors (red and white, or green and gold).

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made in Rick Messman's name to "High Point Church" with the note: "Benevolence Fund in Memory of Rick Messman"

Sun Prairie 608-837-5400

www.newcomerfh.com.

Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral & Cremation

302 Columbus Street ~ Sun Prairie 608-837-5400

www.newcomerfh.com