Richard Elwood Messel

Richard E. Messel passed away on October 18, 2024. He was born on June 23, 1939 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Herbert and Jessie (Winemiller) Messel. Richard attended Milford schools before going to Holly High School for his senior year, graduating in 1957. He spent his entire career at General Motors, first at Fisher Body and later Orion Assembly, and was a member of UAW Local 5960. He retired after 41 years in 1999. Richard played football in high school and loved sports, coaching his kids in softball, football, and baseball, and later watching his many grandkids’ games. He was an avid hunter, traveling across the state and country to camp and hunt with his friends and son, Chad. He was also a storyteller, telling (and sometimes re-telling) hilarious stories and sharing big laughs with all who spent time with him. Richard also loved spending time with his big, blended family. He spent 42 years with the love of his life, Betty (Tinsman) Messel, marrying in 1999 after dating for many years. He loved being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his and Betty’s families. He is survived by his wife Betty Messel; his children Christine (Rob) Rhoades, Patrick Messel, Leigh Messel, and Chad (Andrea) Messel; Betty’s children Bill (Jane) Angus, Laurie Olson, and Mike (Dolores) Angus; grandchildren Meghan (Michael) Palma, Andrew Rhoades, Hannah (Ron) Van Wagoner, Erin (Dale) Benson, Alexandria Reickel, Jacob McHalpine, Emily McHalpine, Brendan Messel, and Jack Messel; Betty’s grandchildren Laura (Eric) Hall, Sarah Angus, Steve (Rachael) Angus, Jay Angus, Corey Angus, Christopher (Shelby) Angus, Kyle Angus, and Emily (Corey) St. Clair; and great-grandchildren Kaylee Palma, Bodhi Palma, Adalyn Jarrett, Madison Benson, Rowan Benson, Carson St. Clair, and Connor Angus; sister Diana (Michael) Erickson; many nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Pam Buell. The family will receive friends from 3-7 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2024 at Dryer Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the funeral home until the time of the service at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Holly. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation.

Richard Elwood Messel

June 23, 1939 - October 18, 2024