Ethan J. Messersmith

Ethan J. Messersmith, 20, of Bark River, passed away with his family by his side on Monday evening, January 5, 2026 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL.

He was born on September 9, 2005, son to Bruce A. and Jennifer (VanEnkevort) Messersmith. Ethan graduated from Bark River Harris School, class of 2024.

Ethan loved making friends and had a special connection with every animal he came in contact with. Throughout his short life, he had many pets including cats, dogs, snakes, ferrets and at the time of his passing, he even had a pet frog. He had started horseback riding in the last few years at his aunt Jill's house with his little sister, Laney and other friends. He loved it and his smile could be seen across the ring when he was riding.

He had many artistic talents. He loved to draw and paint. His love of music was strong. He taught himself to play piano and guitar in his teen years and continued to enjoy that hobby.

Ethan enlisted in the Navy and while in bootcamp he was in the 900 Division because of his love of the arts and showmanship. His proudest achievement was becoming a Master at Arms upon completion of bootcamp in September of 2024 and hoped to make a career of law enforcement upon retiring from the Navy. He was proud to have followed in the footsteps of his brother, Hunter and cousins, Jordan and Dallas VanEnkevort to serve in the U.S. Navy.

He had a family that loved him dearly including his parents, Bruce and Jennifer; daughter, Eliana; fiancée, Tyronda Adams; siblings, Marissa (Rob) Reynolds, Dane (Haley Lenards) Messersmith, Hunter (Brooke) Messersmith, Kelly Messersmith, Jordan Messersmith, Tay' Vion Wilson, and Laney Messersmith; grandparents, Steven VanEnkevort, LaVerne (David) Jones, and Clair Messersmith; uncles, Dirk (Laura) VanEnkevort, Jack (Robin) VanEnkevort, Jeff (Kathy) VanEnkevort; aunts, Diane VanEnkevort, Jill (Mike) McDermott, Becky (Scott) Kwarciany, and Brittney VanEnkevort; nieces and nephews, Ashtyn Reynolds, Jalen Reynolds, Jackson Messersmith, Janie Messersmith, and Beau Messersmith; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Brent VanEnkevort and Cynthia Lee.

Services for Ethan will be on Tuesday, January 27th from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Bark River Bible Church, 1105 12th Rd., Bark River. Military funeral honors will take place at 5 p.m. followed by the funeral service with Pastor Jim Garnett officiating. At the conclusion of the service, a meal will be served in the church hall. (All times are Eastern)

Pallbearers for Ethan will include Dane Messersmith, Hunter Messersmith, Rob Reynolds, Jonah Frizzell, Austin Stephens, and Avery Scully.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.