Gerald (Jerry) Messick, 82, passed away in Burlington Wisconsin on May 7 2013. Jerry was born in Wood River, Illinois to Anna (nee Gudac) and John Messick.
At 6’8″ he was a basketball star at the East Alton-Wood River High School, accepting a scholarship with the University of Houston for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa to play with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was named MVP by the NCAA in a 1964 tournament at Northwestern University. Jerry was a journeyman glass maker at Foster Forbes, now Ardaugh Group, where he was known as ‘Stretch’ by his coworkers. He enjoyed using his hands to build or create and volunteered with several others every Saturday morning for over a year to rebuild the Pioneer Cabin in Wehmhoff Square. He had many wonderful friends and was loved by all. He was well-known for his wit and fun-loving nature. Jerry loved singing, making up nonsense songs on the spot to the delight of his four granddaughters. He took joy in life even through his long, fierce battle with cancer. He died at his home with all his girls around him to give him comfort. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna (nee Gudac) and brother John Messick. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, beloved daughters Erica Messick and Lindsay Webster, son-in-law, Ryan Webster, granddaughters Natalie, Eleanor, and Rhiannon Webster and Kami Koch, all of Burlington Wisconsin, and his beloved brother, Robert Messick of Wood River, Illinois.
In lieu of a funeral a celebration of life will be held at Low Daily Brewery and Taproom, 700 N Pine St., Burlington Wi June 7. Condolences to the Messick Family may be sent to 7741 Big Pine Lane, Burlington WI 53105