Gary Charles Messinger, 82, Green Bay, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family on Thursday, December 8, 2022. The son of Doris (Martin) Clark and Thomas Messinger was born in Ashwaubenon on May 19, 1940.

He attended Green Bay West High School. At a young age he began helping his family on the farm, located on Ridge Road and where Valley View School now resides. During his late teens he met the love of his life Bonita "Bonnie" Jean Bardouche and they were forever together.

When Gary was 23, he and Bonnie built and opened the first liquor store in Ashwaubenon, Ridge Road Liquor Store. With raising a family, they decided to move to a family friendly neighborhood and sold the liquor store in 1969.

Gary then spent 30+ years until he retired in 1999 as a heavy equipment operator for the Village of Ashwaubenon on Street Department. He also served on the Town/Village of Ashwaubenon Volunteer Fire Department for many years until the Village combined their Fire and Police departments into one Public Safety Department. Gary was one of a few founders who started the Ashwaubenon Retired Fire Company #213, he worked countless volunteer hours with other members of the club donating their profits to local charities.

On January 7, 1961 he married Bonita "Bonnie" Jean Bardouche at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Together, they raised five children. As a family, he would take numerous trips to the cabin on Grass Lake in Embarrass, WI. Then in 1989, Gary purchased property in Crandon, WI. There, he made a number of lifelong friends who loved to help each other out with projects. After work was done, they enjoyed sharing beverages, stories and laughs. Gary was quick-witted and was always singing little jingles.

He enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing for many, many years as a family and with friends. Socializing and playing cards was also one of his favorite pastime activities. Gary and Bonnie were blessed to be able to travel, go on cruises and visit family. He credited his long life to his daily ritual of working out 45 minutes, while he reflected on loved ones past and present, and singing to the Lord.

Gary was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He shared many pictures and stories of the proud moments they all had. He extremely enjoyed the family time in "his place up north" located in Crandon, WI.

Just this August, Gary was able to travel to Alaska with eleven members of his family from age 8 to 82. It was a true bucket list item for Gary.

Gary is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Bonnie; their five children, Gary Jr. (Deb) Messinger, Scott (Francine) Messinger, Kim Messinger, Kelly (Butch) Leitner, Terri (Paul LeBotte) MacGregor. He is further survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as some of Bonnie's extended family.

He was preceded in death by parents Doris Clark and Thomas Messinger; brother, William Messinger; and other extended family members.

Family and friends may gather at Ashwaubenon Retired Fire Company #213, 730 Coronis Circle, Green Bay, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022. A family memorial and sharing of stories will take place at 3:00, with a celebration of life beginning at 4:00 and ending at 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring at Lawrence Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the many doctors at Froedtert Hospital for the gift of an additional four years with Dad. They would also like to thank the staff at Bellin for providing exceptional care. Both in the ICU and on the 8th Floor, the compassion of the staff meant so much. They truly are special people.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Ashwaubenon Retired Fire Company #213 or the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.