Dixie Lorraine Messer

Dixie Lorraine (Whitt) Messer, age 91, formally of White Lake, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully of natural causes at Evergreen Terrace Assisted Living facility, Antigo, Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 6:21PM. Dixie Lorraine, born in Elton, Wisconsin, September 16, 1929, to the late Richard Nelson Whitt & Nettie Mae (Townsend) Whitt. She attended Elton Grade School. She was united in marriage to the late Clifford L. Messer, September 24, 1949, at Four Corners Assemblies of God Church, White Lake, Wisconsin. They moved to the state of Illinois for a period of time, then returned back to Wisconsin for many years. The couple raised six children. Lorraine renewed her faith in God in the late fifties, and with confidence through prayer, her answer came when Clifford experienced the joy of salvation. They began to heed the call to both musical and spiritual ministry, and enrolled in a mentoring bible school in Pennsylvania. Upon completion, they moved back to Wisconsin where they began pastoring the Church of God in Crandon. Later, they went on to pastor in Wausau and Antigo while maintaining secular jobs in manufacturing for Lorraine, and track lineman for Clifford with various railroad companies. Lorraine never gave up prayerfully interceding for her children. Her heart’s desire was that they walk in the ways of the Lord. After years of pastoring, the couple settled back to their hometown of White Lake in 1971, and became members of Four Corners A/G Church. Both offering their musical talents for over 40 years. Lorraine became renowned for her self-taught piano skill, and was called upon to play for many weddings, funerals, and special church functions. She always gave God the glory for this gift, as she never read musical notes. When she retired from her nine years at Amron Corporation, she devoted herself to public ministry, visiting nursing homes and hospitals. One of her fondest moments was singing with her husband and playing piano for the “Gospel Starlighters”, a Christian band comprising of four Messer brothers, Ron Hansen, a friend, and occasionally their son, Brian. The song most requested song they were asked to sing was called “Heaven” (Happy Home Above). Lorraine never met a stranger. Forming friendships became the hallmark of her life. She wore a winning personality, and laughter was her drug. One would always feel better for having known this crooked baseball cap wearing lady. She had a special heart for giving. The sacrifices she made helping someone in financial need could only be called supernatural. She had a faith that God would supply, and He never disappointed her. Proficient in letter writing, she earned the title, “million letter Lorraine”. More amazingly than that, was her ability to remember dates of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, deaths and places. An achievement worthy of a place in the Guinness World Record. When asked of her to share a lifelong dream, she would have said, “to become a movie star”. The movie part never materialized, but a star, she was. A HEAVENLY STAR! Lorraine is survived by 4 children: Daughters, Brenda Messer, Bryant; Sue (Tim) Wilson, Nevis, MN; Sons, Marty (Chris) Messer, Bryant; Brian Messer, White Lake; 2 daughters-in-law, Jill Messer, Antigo; Rita Messer, Neenah. 16 grandchildren: Melodie (Jamie) Lemens, Josh (Amethyst) Messer, Michelle (Justin) Lardinois, Kristi (Matt) Tart, Kevin (Annie) Wilson, Jaime (Sean) Greener, Stephanie Schweiger, Jeff Messer, Kyle (Michelle) Messer, Ryan (Mandy) Messer, Shane (Courtney) Messer, Crystal (Dale) Kindle, Felicia (Thiago) Souza, Mandi Messer, Heather (Nick) DeHart, Greg Messer. 24 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, a sister, Ethel Messer, 2 sisters-in-law, Lyda Mae Davis and Patty Whitt, and a brother-in-law, Virgil Messer. Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons, Brad and Ron Messer, a daughter-in-law, Lynn Messer, two great grandchildren, Lua Souza and Jayci Wilson, and 10 siblings. The funeral service will be on Thursday, April 15. Visitation will be from 11AM-1PM followed by the service at 1PM, at Four Corners Assemblies of God Church in White Lake. Rev. Marvin Kindle will officiate. Burial will be at the Langlade Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the administrators Gary & Sarah Voytovich, and the staff at Evergreen Terrace for the love and wonderful care they gave Dixie over the past two years.