Bonnie J. Messinger

Bonita (Bonnie) Jean Messinger-84, Green Bay, WI passed away peacefully at Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence with loving family at her side on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Bonnie was born February 23, 1941, in Green Bay to the late George and Eunice (Coppersmith) Bardouche.
Bonnie was raised on the east side of Green Bay. Through high school she enjoyed attending social gatherings, swimming at the beach in Algoma and dancing at Riverside Ballroom. At one of the dances, she met the love of her life Gary C. Messinger. In her late teens Bonnie worked at a local lumber company in the office doing various bookkeeping tasks until marriage.
On January 7, 1961, Bonnie married Gary C. Messinger at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Together, they raised five children. As a family, they would take numerous trips to her mother-in-law's cabin on Grass Lake in Embarrass. Then in 1989, Bonnie and Gary purchased property in Crandon. There, they made a number of lifelong friends who all enjoyed many outdoor activities, laughing and storytelling.
At 22 years of age, Bonnie and Gary built and opened the first liquor store in Ashwaubenon, Ridge Road Liquor Store. As their family grew, they decided to move to a more family friendly neighborhood and sold the liquor store in 1969.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed sewing, baking, gardening, playing cards, snowmobiling, fishing, bowling and traveling. Bonnie always held herself to high standards and paid close attention to detail. This was evident in all she did, including household chores, planning trips, doing taxes and bookkeeping responsibilities. As a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she found fulfillment in organizing and supporting all aspects of family life to ensure their comfort and enjoyment.
Bonnie was blessed to be able to travel throughout the United States on land and embarked on many cruise journeys. She loved spending time and hosting gatherings with family and friends.
She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a special bond with her grandchildren, spending her time helping to care, teach and play games with them. Bonnie always shared many pictures and stories of the proud moments they all had.
Bonnie is survived by; their five children, Gary (Deb) Messinger, Scott (Francine) Messinger, Kim Messinger, Kelly (Butch) Leitner, Terri (Paul LeBotte) MacGregor. She is further survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters; Wayne (Nancy), Diane (late husband Dan), Sherry (Rick), Randy, Todd (Lorie), and Dale (Laura); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by husband Gary C. Messinger, parents George and Eunice (Coppersmith) Bardouche, her mother-in-law Doris Clark and father-in-law Thomas Messinger; sister Clara (Bardouche) Becker; and other extended family members.
Family and friends may gather at Riverside Ballroom, 1560 Main Street, Green Bay, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025. Memorial Service will then begin at 4:00pm.
The family would like to extend a warm thank you to Bellevue Senior Living for the care and compassion they provided for the last 3 years. Also, most recently Aurora BayCare Medical Center and Jack and Engrid Meng Hospice Residence for their special kindness and support shown to both mom and family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Unity Hospice or Dementia Research.