Jan Marie Messer

On March 22, 2026, Janet Marie Messer, née Bayerl, passed away in her residence. Jan was born on October 3, 1965, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her life was marked by her indomitable sense of humor, unyielding stubbornness, and a vibrant spirit. She led with love, and has touched all who knew her with her warmth, kindness, and radiant energy.

Jan was the fourth consecutive generation of her family to live in Mt Adams spending the first 5 years of her life there. At age 5 her family moved to Milford where Jan graduated from Milford High School in 1984. She later returned to Mt Adams in 1993 where her son Zac became the 5th consecutive generation to live on the hill. Mt Adams held a special place in Jan's heart. Jan built a life that was both fulfilling and inspiring. As the first of five children, she was a natural-born leader, a characteristic that carried into her career as a Travel Director. Her passion for exploring new places and cultures was a defining part of who she was, with a special love for her trips to Ireland.

Jan’s love for life was truly infectious. She was young at heart, always eager to connect with new people and old friends and share her love of rock music with those around her. Jan was an incredible mother and aunt, consistently showing up with unwavering love and support for her family. Her love for her fur babies, Misty, Zona and Baloo, reflected the same warmth and care she extended to others, and the companionship they brought her made her world whole.

Jan was a force to be reckoned with, and she was never afraid to take charge, carving her path with fierce determination and carrying a laugh that could light up any room. By the poolside, one of the many places she found peace and pleasure, her eyes and smile reflected a life well-lived and deeply loved. Jan filled her days with things that brought her joy and happiness, taking every opportunity to watch live music and sports, spend time with her friends and family, share meals with her loved ones, and travel to new places.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Messer, and their son, Zachary Messer, married to Erin. Jan’s family roots remain strong and vibrant: her mother, Harriet Snider, and her brothers and sisters—Chris (Mary) Bayerl, Karen (Brad) Mrusek, Mary Mendez, and Adam (Cortney) Bayerl—carry forward the legacy of love and resilience she embodied. Her extended family, including her mother-in-law, Barbara Messer, and a cherished network of many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, remain bound by the threads of affection that Jan so effortlessly wove.

Jan was preceded in death by her father, David Bayerl, her father-in-law, Herbert Messer, and her grandparents, Harry and Mary Snider, and Charles and Agnes Bayerl, whose memories live on in her and all who hold her dear.

Jan Messer’s life was a testament to the power of laughter, love, and relentless spirit. She never just lived; she thrived—leaving an indelible mark on the hearts she touched. In remembering Jan, we honor a woman who loved fiercely, laughed often, and embraced the world with open arms, forever young in spirit and boundless in courage.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to https://give.myotonic.org/

A celebration of Jan’s life will be held at the American Legion Post 450 in old Milford on Saturday April 11th at 2pm. All friends and family are welcome to attend.