May 11, 2026 – Slinger, Wi – John J. Messler, 98, was welcomed home by the Lord on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 in Slinger, Wisconsin. He was cared for by his four loving children, allowing him to remain comfortable at home.
John was born on November 27, 1927 to Louis and Catherine (nee Ohnesorg) Messler. He served in the Occupation Forces in the Philippines after World War II. He married Dolores Smerlinski on October 22, 1949. John was employed with Wisconsin Electric Power Company as foreman of an underground crew for the majority of his career, retiring in January 1988.
John enjoyed living in Slinger where he was able to have a large vegetable garden, fruit trees and chickens. He enjoyed riding his Honda 750, a good cigar and daily wine time. He was a devoted reader of books, newspapers and magazines. John was an avid dog lover over the course of his life. He especially bonded with his only female and last dog, Molly.
John is survived by his 4 children, Darlene Griepentrog, John L. Messler, Carol (Kim) Gunther and Mary McCluskey; proud grandpa to Tim Griepentrog, Jason (Katie) Griepentrog, Kate (Dean) Labinski, Jackie (Dan Barber) Messler Barber, Amy Cotton, Andrew (Krista) Gunther, and Laura (Dan) Rindfleisch; great-grandpa to Morgan and Allyson Griepentrog, Kylie and Kaleb Ressman, Finley and Emilia Barber, Logan and Adeline Cotton, Ava and Noah Rindfleisch, and Enzo, Max and Bryce Gunther. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dolores J. “Lory” Messler; sons-in-law, Thomas Griepentrog and William McCluskey; his parents; brothers Anton and Louis; and sisters Anna and Katherine.
Family will greet guests on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W. Paradise Dr., West Bend, WI 53095) with Pastor Marshall Gradinjan presiding.
