Stephen F. ("Guido") Messing

Stephen "Guido" Francis Messing

March 4, 1959 – November 10, 2024

Stephen 'Guido' Francis Messing, a man who brought light and laughter to so many, passed away on November 10, 2024. Guido, born March 4, 1959, was a father, partner, brother, and friend who brought kindness, humor, and warmth to everyone he encountered.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Ashley (son-in-law Mark) Ward, his son Brandon Messing, his granddaughter Kylie, his partner Mary, and his siblings: Tony (Susan) Messing, Jana Messing, Tina (Tony) Sayago, and Marti (Brooks) Hardenberg, as well as his nieces and nephews; Chris Henningson (Shane), Riane Sheick, Jamie (Sophia) Hardenberg, Alyssa Hardenberg, Kayla and Nick Sayago, and other great nieces and nephews, who all hold him dear and share many cherished memories. As a brother, he had a unique relationship with each of his siblings, including Jana, whose life he saved from drowning when she was 11 years old, and he 14. 

A master machinist and tradesman, Guido took deep pride in his work, and was described by peers as the best at his craft, with coworkers remembering him as unique and one of a kind, in his creative mischief and funny pranks. His unmatched charisma and sense of humor, was engaging to all who crossed his path. A true jokester, his knack for bringing joy and laughter to others became his life’s mission. Whether with a joke, a smile, or by handing out one of his famous "My Card" business cards that simply read “My Card,” Guido delighted in making people laugh.

Guido had a generous heart, always looking out for others and ensuring his friends and family had what they needed—often even above himself. He’d give the shirt off his back if someone needed it, and his love language was always gift-giving. His family and friends remember him for his thoughtful gestures, which he felt were his way of taking care of the people he loved. It is said that Guido’s greatest pride and joy were his children, Ashley and Brandon, whom he often called his finest accomplishments, and the reasons he was here. Each of their names were tattooed on his arms, as a symbol of his dedication and love. He taught them the value of hard work and the importance of finding joy in small moments—to work hard, but party harder; to not take life too seriously. When in doubt, when hurting, or at their lowest, Guido showed them how to find the silver lining, the joy, and, always, always: the humor. 

Steve cherished milestones of his children, from younger years through their successes, and accomplishments as adults. He held great pride in his daughter Ashley’s business startup, and watching it thrive, as well as the achievements of her civic involvement. He held great memories and spoke often of being able to see her accept awards for her work. His son Brandon’s achievements and dedication to his work in lapidary art, were also his pride and joy, especially when Brandon won an award in gemstone-carving. At the awards ceremony, Guido looked so stylish that he was mistaken for a winner himself at least once. Guido always wanted to “be stylin’,” as he would say; and he had a brilliant sense of style. 

Guido saw life as a journey of resilience, overcoming incredible hardships and trauma, surviving three bouts of cancer, and other health issues. He found fun as the best way to cope, and laughter the best medicine. With his brilliant humor, humility and wit, Guido could break through to almost anyone and get them at least smiling.

Guido’s legacy of laughter, generosity, and love will live on in the countless lives he touched and the many smiles he inspired. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, love, kindness, and humor will forever remain in our hearts.

Guido’s family would like for you to join them for:

The Celebration of Life for Stephen “Guido” Messing

Sunday, November 24, from 2-5 p.m.

Charlie’s Bar and Grill,

3519 Plainfield Avenue Northeast,

Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to:

Shriners Children’s: donate.lovetotherescue.org,

2900 N. Rocky Point Drive,

Tampa, FL 33607

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