VERNA MESSMAN
July 02, 1926 - January 09, 2022
Obituary
It is with extreme sadness the family of Verna D. (Rivet) Messman announces her passing. After a brief battle with cancer, she passed away on Jan. 9, 2022, at home with family by her side. The infectious smile, sense of humor and quick wit Mom had was present right to the end. Just hours before her passing, she had family members laughing and enjoying their visit, even during this very difficult time.
In Verna's 95+ years, life certainly presented her with challenges. Through them all she was steadfast in her love, pride and devotion to the very large family she was blessed with. Besides being an avid gardener, she was a prolific knitter and made everyone in the family, including in-laws, Christmas stockings which will now be a cherished possession and a great remembrance of her. Ever year she looked forward to the Peterson Family Reunion, especially the 60th reunion in 2006, which Governor Jim Doyle recognized with a commendation.
Verna was born on July 2, 1926, in Ringle, WI, the youngest child of the late Anton and Beatrice Peterson. She married the late Lawrence Rivet Sr. They were later divorced. On December 29, 1972 she married the late George Messman Sr. with whom she shared the same birthday. Verna is survived by her sons: Larry, Edward (Deb), Gregory, Thomas (Sue), Mark (Michelle Loula) Rivet; and daughters: Gloria (Tom) Blair and Wendy (Dan) Gray. She is further survived by her very much loved 14 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren, with another on the way. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Laverne Pheifer; and stepchildren: George and Fred Messman, Corrine Gosz and Cathy Uttecht. There are also many, many surviving nieces, and nephews. Verna also leaves behind a dear close friend from high school, Ruth whom she recently reconnected with.
Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, George; were all her brothers and sisters: Russell, Lafe, Fred, Adolph and Charles Peterson, Florence Miller, Viola Grundman, Anna Jenson, Ninabelle Harper, Joyce Ploetz, Mildred Johanson, Harriet MacDonald, Maida, and Goldie Peterson. Being the last survivor of the 15 kids was difficult for Mom and we are at peace knowing she is with them all again. She was also preceded in death by 2 stepchildren: Christine and Richard Messman; as well as nieces and nephews.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Menasha's Westgor Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Interment to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah.
The family would like to thank Moments Hospice Care, especially Brittany and Nikita for the care and compassion they provided during her illness.