Donald William Messner, age 69, of Dexter, MI, passed away on March 12, 2026 at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital in Ypsilanti, MI.
Don was born on January 29, 1957 in Jackson, MI, the son of Donald and Mary (Taylor) Messner. He grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1975. He started working for Chelsea Milling Company (Jiffy Mixes) right out of high school and worked there until retirement in 2012. He enjoyed reading, the Beatles, watching sports, and was an avid U of M and Green Bay Packers fan. He also enjoyed bowling and playing softball in the Jiffy Mix softball league. Most of all he loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a very loving papa.
On July 26, 1975, he married the love of his life, Cynthia Minix, at the Chelsea Church of Christ. She survives him.
Also surviving are his mother, Mary Theisen of Jackson; three children: Melissa (Matthew) McCutcheon of Plymouth, Jessi (Steve) Dosh of Chelsea, and Kathy (Mike) Burns of Dexter; grandchildren: Devon and Logan McCutcheon, Devon Messner; Grace Morson, and Stevie Dosh; and Evie and Brooklyn Burns; and a soon-to-be first great-grandchild, Emery Hughes; brothers-in-law, AJ Minix and Pete Pitzen; his aunt, Joyce (Roger) Smyth of Chelsea; and a niece, Suelyn Baker; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald W. Messner; a sister, Suzi Pitzen; and a nephew, Billy Brown; as well as his father-in-law, Armel Minix; mother-in-law, Katherine Minix; and brother-in-law, Gary Lee Minix.
Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
