Michael Laine Messer, age 52, of Hermitage passed away Saturday afternoon, December 12, 2020 in the ER at Sharon Region Medical Center.
He was born in New Brighton, PA on April 26, 1968 a son of Archibald C. and Carolyn (Snyder) Messer. He was a 1986 graduate of Greenville High School and a 1996 graduate of Grove City College where he received his degree in Business Management. He was an active member of Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage. He was a board member and past president of Hermitage Little League and was a baseball and basketball coach for the Hermitage School District. Mike enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Pirates, and West Virginia University.
He is survived by his parents of Greenville; his companion of 16 years, Tammy “Opie” Opalenik; two sons, Connor Jase-Patrick Anderson and Ayden Caige Messer both at home; three brothers, William A. Messer and his wife Kathi of Silver Lake, OH, Archibald C. Messer III and his wife Mary Ann of Erie, James C. Messer of Farrell; two aunts, Jacqueylyn “Lynn “ Jacobs of Wheeling, WV, Sara Jean Messer-Miller of Wheeling, WV; 4 nieces and nephews, Todd A. Messer and his wife Courtney, Amy Lynn Messer and her husband Alex, Celia M. Messer, and Sadie E. Messer; and 6 great nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family C/O the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville, PA 16125.
I know that you in the Messer Family are going through a very difficult time that is made even more difficult because of this terrible virus. Please know that your family has impacted so many in a positive way. I recently reconnected with Mike and had a couple hour long conversations with him. We both shared many philosophies as well as so many memories like growing up together and he being the only kid wearing a Vikings shirt in a sea of Steeler jerseys. Like he, Brant Edeburn, and myself taking on the whole class in football or kickball. Mike and I laughed about going to the State Finals in Junior Olympics as part of a 4X100 relay team and how our kids would not believe us because we each had gained considerable weight since our track days!
Mike was a good guy and is the product of a great family with Christian values.
God Bless!
Sis and Arch. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of great loss. Keep the faith. Jerry and Janet Nixon
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Healing touch to Arch and Carolyn
I knew Mike from when he was a student -athlete at Grove City College. He has always had a servant’s heart and cared so much about others. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire Messer Family. He was a good man who made a positive impact on many.
My sincerest condolences for the Messer family.
My condolences to Mike’s friends and family. I knew Mike from Grace Chapel and coached a season of our sons baseball team (Giants) in Hermitage with him. Mike always had a hello, smile and kind word to say. I am sure he will be missed by anyone who knew him. I am so sorry for your loss.
God Bless.
Kevin, Carol and Marc Crawford
Archie and Carolyn:
We are so sorry to read about Mike’s passing. I sure remembe all the kids when we lived near you. Very hard to lose a child at such a young age. I am praying for you and your Family
To the Messer family,
Our hearts were broken when we heard of Michaels
sudden and untimely passing. He was a great person and a special cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this most difficult time. All our love.
So very sorry for your loss. Will always remember our years of golfing together and the yearly trips to camp. He had a huge heart full of love for others. He will be missed.
Michael was a very special friend to me. We are so sorry for yours and everyone’s loss. He was a special person, kind and loving and we will miss him terribly. Prayers for all he touched.
Raymond and Catherine Richardson
We are so sorry for your loss, Mike was a great guy to have discussions with and his passion for baseball and the kids were beyond words. Prayers to your entire family.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Messer and Opalenik families
Thoughts and prayers for all Mike’s family, and friends. Mike was always pleasant and a kind friend in grade school and high school. God bless.
Arch. Carolyn and family…we were so saddened to learn of Michael’s sudden passing. We can only imagine the pain in your hearts at such a sad time as this must be for all your family. Please know that there are many who care about you and will pray for you now and in the difficult days ahead. We trust you will find comfort in the many happy memories you have of Michael and your life together. God bless you. Bill and Mary Jane Fay
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mike will be remembered as being a friend to those when no one else would… what an amazing quality to possess. I always admired that about him. Prayers for comfort and strength in this difficult time. God bless your family.
JIM AND YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY, I AM VERY SORRY LOSS.
Archie and to all your family. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike was a great guy and will be missed by many.