Alvin Messer, 92, Mt. Morris, died Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 at Oregon Healthcare Center, Oregon.

Alvin was born June 29, 1920 in Pine Creek Township, the son of Lawson Bryan and Ida (Chambers) Messer.

He graduated from Mt. Morris High School Class of 1938.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945 in the 45th Division.

Alvin married Jean M. Pontius on March 9, 1946 in Freeport.

He worked at Kable Printing Company as a assistant pressman, and he also worked as a night watchman at White Pines State Park.  He retired in 1986.

He liked to read Western books, and he loved to walk different areas with his metal detector.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Jean Messer, Mt. Morris; son, Edward (Kimberlee) Messer, Mt. Morris;  two daughters, Doris “Sandy” Doeden, Polo, and Suzanne (Tim) Kinmon, Sterling; eight grandchildren, Jessica Doeden, Polo, Laura (Phil) Gaulrapp, Polo, Nathan (Shannon) Messer, Loves Park, Matt  (Kate) Messer, Polo,  Zack Johnson, Dixon, Hilary Johnson,  Dixon, Kristy Kinmon, Sterling, Kenny (Autumn) Kinmon, Oklahoma City, Okla.; daughter-in-law,Debbie Messer, Rockford; special neighbors, Curt (Gloria) Ennenga.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John; brothers, Russ, Donald “Pug”, and Lee Messer; grandson, Shaun Messer; great-grandson, Joey Geerts; and son-in-law, Jim Doeden.

Funeral services were Thursday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mt. Morris, with Rev. Doc Newcomb officiating.

Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery, Mt. Morris.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time at Finch Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital and the Mt. Morris Public Library.