ROCHELLE — Melvin Charles Messer, age 86 passed away at Manor Court in Rochelle on Friday, November 22, 2024 with his family at his side.  He was born on December 11, 1937 in Rochelle, IL the son of Leo and Vivian (Landis) Messer.  Mel married Judith Nelson on February 9, 1969.

Mel retired after serving as the Ogle County Sheriff for 16 years, and 41 years, 3 months of total law enforcement service.  He was proud of graduating from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI Leda Crime Scene and Criminal Investigations.  The list of his awards, accomplishments and involvement in law enforcement is long.

Mel enjoyed traveling the country with his wife including attending the National Sheriff's Association Conferences and visiting their close friends in Florida.  He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren's numerous sporting events, meeting for coffee with friends at McDonalds and breakfast at Grubsteakers.   An old western movie or any police show was always on his t.v.  

Preceded in death by his parents, and brother Ron Messer.
Survived by his wife, Judith Messer, 3 children: Robert (Susan) Messer and William (Sue) Messer both with his former wife, Betty Glosser; and James (Lesley) Messer all of Rochelle;
Grandchildren: Brad (Melissa) Messer, Steve (Stephanie) Messer, Jake (Amanda) Messer, Paul (Heather) Helser, Shannon (Adrian) Montelongo, Chris Messer, Grant Messer and Anna Messer. Great grandchildren: Devin Montelongo, Blake Helser, Danny Montelongo, Noah Messer, Zack Helser, Emily Montelongo, Owen Messer, Crew Messer, Ava Helser, Sofi Messer, Ellery Messer, Tesa Messer, Kase Messer and Jude Messer and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. 

Visitation will be from 4 - 6:45 PM on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th ST., Rochelle.  Funeral service will follow at 7:00 PM on Tuesday with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating.  Private family burial will be at Ashton Cemetery.  Memorials can be made out to Illinois Sheriff’s Association.