Obituary of Ronald Messick

Ronald "Gunner" Messick, 62, of Zion, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 6, 2007, with his family by his side. He was born October 2, 1944 in Butte, Montana. He served in the United States Navy right out of High School in Montana and came to this area because of Great Lakes. He served a total of 20 years in the Navy which included 7 tours of Vietnam. Following his military service he served 15 years at the Moral Welfare and Recreation Department at Great Lakes, retiring in 2003. While at MWR he was well known as a charter boat captain. He was also a life member of Winthrop Harbor VFW and Highland Park VFW, was an avid fisherman and belonged to Fleet Reserve, Great Lakes Branch #53, Gurnee, Illinois. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Mary Lou; children Priscilla (Brion) O'Dell of Salem, Wisconsin and Debra (Oliver) Olsen of Waukegan; four grandchildren Christine Ann Miks, Lynn Siferd, Brook Vaughn and Brion O'Dell II; twelve great-grandchildren; one sister Cynthia (Jack) Smith of Redding, California; and one brother Chris (Cindy) Arvelo of Brentwood, California. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Fern Messick. A memorial gathering for friends and relatives will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2007, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion. Memorial donations to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.