Merle C. Messersmith

Merle C. Messersmith obituary, Athens, IL

Merle C. Messersmith

Upcoming Events

Sep

4

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

206 North Main Street, ATHENS, IL 62613

Send Flowers

Sep

4

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

206 North Main Street, ATHENS, IL 62613

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Mott & Henning Funeral Home

Only 6 days left for delivery to next service.

Merle Messersmith Obituary

Visit the Mott & Henning Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Merle C. Messersmith, age 88, of Athens, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at his residence.

Merle was born on April 25, 1937 in Indian Point, IL, the son of William Edward, Sr. and Charlotte (Long) Messersmith.

He married Marian Richardson on May 15, 1955 in Athens, Illinois. She preceded him in death in 2006.

Mourning his passing are his daughter, Darla Cleesen; granddaughter, Cheyenne Cleesen; one sister, Mary Bender in Sanford, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also preceded in death by brothers, Eugene, William Jr., LaVerne, and Wilbur; sisters, Lucille Mehocko, Lena Blane, and Dorothy Ann.

Merle worked for Culver Elevator, Hinrichs Chevrolet, and Athens School District.

He served for the Athens City Council.

Merle loved being outside, especially mowing and taking care of his garden. He really enjoyed his purple flowers.

He served for the US Navy Reserves.

Visitation for Merle will be held from 9:00 AM until time of funeral services at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Menard County Animal Control.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

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

Mott & Henning Funeral Home

206 N Main P.O. Box 257, Athens, IL 62613

Make a Donation
in Merle Messersmith's name

How to support Merle's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Merle Messersmith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Sep

4

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

206 North Main Street, ATHENS, IL 62613

Send Flowers

Sep

4

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

206 North Main Street, ATHENS, IL 62613

Send Flowers

Services provided by

Mott & Henning Funeral Home

Only 6 days left for delivery to next service.