Jeffrey Messer

Jeffrey Messer was born on March 7, 1957, in Dixon, Illinois, and passed away on March 7, 2026, at his home in Freeport. A graduate of Polo Community High School, he served briefly in the U.S. Marine Corps before earning a degree from ITT Technical Institute in 1987. Over the years, Jeff worked as a computer technician, audio/video technician, binding machine operator at Kable Printing, and handyman. He retired early due to health challenges yet remained deeply grateful for having survived two open heart surgeries in 2002 and 2017.

Preceded in death by his father, Glenn Messer; stepfather, Donald Olson; brother, Gerald Messer; and sister-in-law, Susan Messer, Jeff is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Olson of Polo; his son, Jeremy Messer of Oregon; his brother, John Messer of Dixon; his sisters, Loree Brooks of Dixon and Donna Olson of Machesney Park; his brother, Dennis Olson of Dixon; and many nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered as a resilient man who faced life’s difficulties with quiet strength and faith.