Richard R. Messerli
1937 - 2020
Richard R. Messerli, known as Dick to
his family and friends, was born December 11, 1937. He departed from
this life to his new heavenly home on September 30, 2020 after a
brief battle with cancer.
Richard was born in Hutchinson, Kansas
to Robert and Ella Messerli and was raised on the family farm in
Turon, Kansas.
On December 11, 1960 he married the
love of his life, LaVelle Whitmore, at Cunningham Christian Church.
They shared together almost 60 years of love and friendship.
To that marriage, two children joined
them in life and love: a son, Darin DeVon, and a daughter, Darcie
Dawn. Joy continued in Dick's life when Darcie married and he became
father-in-law to Kirby Martin. Along with that marriage he became
Grandpa to his greatest joys: two grandsons Chase and Brock.
Dick graduated from Turon (Kansas) High
School, Hutchinson Community College and attended Kansas State
University. He worked for Kansas Department of Transportation as an
inspector from 1959 to 2005 and also served in the Kansas Air Guard
for six years; these were years he was always proud of. He became a
Certified Engineering Technician 5. After he retired, he returned to
working at POE Associates from 2005 to 2019.
Dick is survived by his wife, Lavelle
(Whitmore) Messerli, son Darrin Messerli of Newton, Kansas, daughter
Darcie and son-in-law Kirby Martin of Hesston, Kansas, grandson Chase
and wife Jordan (Wallis) Martin of Ft. Worth, Texas, and grandson
Brock Martin of Topeka, Kansas.
Dick is also survived by his
brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dwayne and Karen Elliot of
Cunningham, Kansas; his nephews Tom Durall and wife Sue, Scott Elliot
and his wife Kendra, Terry Elliot and his wife Jamie; great-nephews
Jason Elliot and his wife Alisha, Seth, Cooper and Easton Elliot,
Andrew Johns and his wife Justine; great-nieces Kristan and Renee
Elliot, Kaylen Ortiz and her husband Rob, three great-great nieces,
two great-great nephews, and cousins Jo, Brenda, Donna, Pat and
Deanne.
Dick was preceded in death by his
parents, his father-in-law and mother in-law, sisters-in-law and
brothers-in-law, a nephew and a great-great nephew.
To celebrate and remember his life,
there will be a time of visitation with family on Sunday, October 4,
2-3 p.m, at Petersen Family Funeral Home in Newton, Kansas; a funeral
service on Monday, October 5, 11 a.m. at Cunningham Christian Church
in Cunningham, Kansas, and internment following the funeral at Maud
Cemetery in Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may
be designated to Cunningham Christian Church Building Fund. Petersen
Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be left
for the family at www.petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
