John P. Messner

John P. Messner, 89, entered into rest from his labor on Earth, on Palm Sunday, April 2nd. John was formerly of Shartlesville, most recently he resided with his son Terry in New Ringgold.

John was married to his loving wife, Beulah R. (Fryberger) Messner who passed away December 31, 2011.

John was born in Centre Twp. on the family farm, son of the late John A. Messner and Mary J. (Roth) Messner.

Surviving are John’s loving children, Rose Fredericks (widow of David) of Shoemakersville, Terry Messner (Karen) of New Ringgold, Linda Alspach (Harry) of West Lawn, Mary Jo Cartier of Maxatawny, and John P. Messner II (Scheriell) of Venice, FL.

15 grandchildren: Travis Fredericks (Susanne); Christine Scheitrum (William); Matthew Messner (Kimberly); Michelle Dietrich (Harrison); Joshua Bulliner (Sue); Jeffrey Bulliner (Kara); Jeremy Alspach; Amii Kauth (Andrew); Katrina Cartier-Freund (Tyler); Jacquelin Guldin (Jacob); John P.  Messner III (Tara); Zachary Messner (Sarah); Chase Messner; Tanya Miseyko (Howard) and Kevin Miseyko (Cassandra).

28 great grandchildren: Lily; Victoria; Eva (Ryann); Rachel; Samantha; Emma; Benjamin; Ethan; Logan; Luke; Leo; Sophie; Savannah; Chloe; Valentine; Ender; Beryl; Oasis; Hadwin; Falcon; Summer; Haley; Hannah; Hayla; Skylar; Brinley; Mason; and Carson.

John is predeceased by a granddaughter; Suzanne Messner.

John is survived by four sisters, Joanna, Florence, Grace, and Alice. He is predeceased by his siblings, Monroe, Lillian, Mary, Verna, and Edna.

John was a 1951 graduate of Penn Bernville High School and attended Muhlenberg College.

He was a lifetime farmer and employed by various industries throughout his life.

John owned and operated Messner’s Dutch Corner in Shartlesville for over 60 years.

He was a Road Master and Supervisor for Upper Bern Twp.

A longtime faithful member of Friedens Church in Shartlesville, he sang in the choir, was a member of the church council, a Superintendent, an adult Sunday school teacher and a member of the 14th District Sunday School Association.

John was a Boy Scout Scoutmaster for Shartlesville Post No. 149, Sergeant of Arms for the Shartlesville Badolia Days, a member of Shartlesville Lions Club, Fire Company, Grange, and Fish and Game. Also, a member of the Strausstown Rod and Gun Club, Blue Mt. Senior Citizens, Hamburg Moose, Keystone Club and “PSATS”.

He was active in many Pennsylvania German cultural organizations including Der Nei Dolpehock Sanger Chor which performed on BCTV, board member Pennsylfawnisch Deitsch Fersommling fun Barricks Kaundi, West Berks Versammling, Grundsow Lodge, Pennsylvania German Society and regularly performed at the Kutztown Folk Festival for many years.

John's belief in Christ was a firm foundation in his life.

He loved talking to people, telling stories, playing music, and spreading joy.

“Sehn eich schpeeder”

A viewing will take place on Saturday, April 15th from 9 AM until 11:30, Special Music 11:30 until Noon for any performer tributes, Funeral Service at Noon in Friedens Church, 28 Wolf Creek Rd., Shartlesville, PA. Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Kirkhoff Funeral Home, P. O. Box 183, Bernville, PA 19506.

The Kirkhoff Funeral Home in Bernville is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.