Warren Messmann

Rev. Warren Edward Messmann, 83, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was given the crown of everlasting glory Sunday, October 22, 2023, following an exact-to-the-day seven-month stay at Kingston Care Center of Fort Wayne due to pancreatic cancer. The funeral service will be Wednesday, November 1, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1126 Barr Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with viewing before the service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow the service at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, 1910 N. Berthaud Road, New Haven (Gar Creek), Indiana.

Warren was born February 26, 1940, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His parents were Wilmer W. and Margaret W. (Grime) Messmann, who lived on a farm on Slusher Road in Allen County. The Lord used Rev. Werner Krug to baptize Warren into Jesus’ death and resurrection on March 24, 1940, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gar Creek. Warren confirmed his baptismal vow April 11, 1954, after instruction by Rev. Dr. Edwin Nerger.

Warren attended Indiana schools in New Haven, Fort Wayne, and Valparaiso. He served in the United States Air Force, worked in a warehouse, in a factory, for International Business Machines, for the Department of Defense, and for Fort Wayne National Bank. For one employer, he was glad to develop an unconventional and eloquent computer package.

Warren graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and was ordained into the public ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod on March 27, 1977, by Rev. Dr. Gerhard Aho. Warren served as pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, Connersville, Indiana, and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Rushville, Indiana. He preached and led Bible studies at congregations in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. He was declared Pastor Emeritus of the Indiana District by Rev. Dr. Daniel May.

Warren and Joan Ruth (Rathjen) were married by Rev. Walter Schoedel at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, on August 9, 1969. They have daughters Rachel (Benjamin) Pollock and Hannah (Eric) Jackson, and grandsons Joshua, John, and Nathan Pollock. He is also survived by his brother, Ernest F. Messmann, of Bellingham, Washington, and by many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please give memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

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