Bernd Alois Karl Messner

Bernd Alois Karl Messner, 77
Belvidere - Bernd A.K. Messner, 77, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2014 at Serenity Hospice and Home. Born April 14, 1937, in Cologne, Germany, the son of Ludwig & Rosel (Schnorr) Messner. Graduate of Aachen University (RWTH), Aachen, Germany. Married Gail Morrow in Rockford, on May 21, 1983. Bernd worked for Ingersoll Milling Machine Co., as a Mechanical Engineer. As Aerospace Product Manager, he made a significant contribution to the design and development of machines that are now crucial for the manufacture of modern aircraft and spacecraft. He held and contributed to several technical patents for his company and he retired in 2004 after forty years of service. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman - enjoying hiking, skiing, photography and traveling around the world. He also spent many hours designing and improving his home. Bernie was an effervescent character who loved to laugh and tell wild stories. Most of all he enjoyed spending his time with family and friends.
Survivors include wife Gail; daughter Nicole Messner; brother Edgar Messner; nieces and nephews Gregor Messner, Angelika Saugy, Michael Messner, and Claudia Berg; cousins Henriette Kuntz, Christiane Kiefer, Wolfgang Maier-Borst, and Siegbert Maier-Borst. He is preceded in death by two brothers Lothar and infant brother Bernd.
Service will be 10am Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 5-7pm Tuesday, December 2nd with a rosary recited at 6:45pm. Also from 9am until time of service on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.