Erika Elizabeth Messer

We mourn the loss of Erika Elizabeth Messer, who died unexpectedly, July 22, 2018. With Erika’s passing, the world has lost a warm and generous soul and those who knew her, will miss her heartbreakingly beautiful smile.

Erika Messer was born on April 10, 1979 in Sioux City, Iowa to Lloyd and Mary Messer. Although, Erika did live for a time in LaCrosse, Wis., she considered Sioux City her home. Throughout her childhood, Erika maintained  a passion for skiing, especially with her father, swimming, acrobatic feats on her trampoline, as well as numerous other activities. Erika could be a fierceness and love of competition shined through in her passion for playing basketball, which she played throughout her childhood and teenage years. The Clearly Canadian team coached by Lloyd Messer was a fond memory Erika reminisced over.

Erika graduated from North High School in 1997. She attended the University of Iowa and returned to Sioux City, Iowa.  Shortly after, Erika embarked on a new chapter in her life and moved to Paso Robles, Calif. with her father. Lloyd, Erika, and her sister Dana together began to make Lloyd’s dream of owning a vineyard and producing magnificent wines a reality. After Lloyd’s passing in 2006, Erika and Dana continued on with their work on the vineyard.

Erika, was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Frances and Neil Lewis and maternal grandparents, James and Ruth Smaby, her sister, Diane Marie; and her beloved father, Lloyd. Erika is survived by her mother, Mary Messer; her sister, Dana Messer Brown; her brother Vince Messer; nieces, Frances Brown and Katie Messer; and nephews, Ronnie Brown, Austin Messer and her beloved dog “Olive.”  Erika also leaves behind a plethora of friends and extended family who love her dearly.

Erika Messer’s life cannot be summarized in a few lines of text. Erika was a beautiful, vivacious, and dynamic person. She absolutely adored animals, family, friends, and enjoyed full moons, music, and spending time at the beach. She loved to travel and was always on board to try new things or go on an adventure. Two of her favorite things in life were cooking and her pets. She had an extremely quick wit, was a jokester and could get a deep belly laugh out of anyone.  Erika was the person one could trust in being there to lend a kind word and sympathetic ear and could also be counted on to join in mischievous adventures. Erika was kind, honest, and was generous beyond measure both with material things and, more importantly, her heart. Erika was many things to many people. Erika, you are loved, you will always be loved, and you are missed immensely.


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