Justin Messerschmidt

Justin Messerschmidt
(1989-2012)

In the year 1989, Justin was born to his loving parents John and Shelley Messerschmidt. Justin was free spirit from the start. Just a few hours old, he’d stretch out his neck, as far as he could in order to see what was happening around him. His Nan gave him his nickname of “E. T.”

His father taught him how to hunt at an early age. Justin loved to go on hunting and fishing trips with this dad and friend, Rusty to Colorado. His grandfather, Grady, took him every summer on fishing trips to Oregon, where the anticipation of catching an eight pound trout never left his thoughts. Justin was so elated when he finally did! Grandma Betty taught him about the art of making a good, flaky piecrust along with his cousin, Anna. At his Nan and Pop’s house, Gene and Jo Smith, he swam, played ninja warriors and built blanket forts with his cousins. He thrived on having “the last word” conversations with his momsie and everyone else.

As a teenager, he did as most boys do. Justin (“Grumpy” to most of his friends), played football #82 for Liberty High when he was a freshman and he graduated in 2007. He liked to play tackle football with bro’s, Adam and Dookie, and with other friends too. He was an avid gamer and no technology was too complicated or difficult for him to figure out. As not to cause his mother to worry, he would sneak in and out of his bedroom window to go to a late-night breakfast.

Justin was quite the prankster, with a generous heart, often bringing his mom and nan, and other family members, little trinkets to say, “I love you!” He was always on the move: working on and off shore, surprise visits at home and socializing with friends. He spent many Christmases and birthdays at Grandpa Doug's and Grandma Sue's. Doug and Sue Craig

Justin was blessed in having not one, but two families that loved and supported him. He spent countless hours with his father and “bonus” mom riding dirt bikes, hanging out, and of course hunting, fishing, and learning how to be a fantastic marksman. He was exceptionally talented in sporting clays and had the potential to be a world class marksman.

Justin graduated from Poly Technical School of Science in Long Beach with a certification in topside and underwater weld inspecting. He was excited to learn new skills and have the opportunity to travel and his plan was to eventually go and work/live in Japan. He was employed by Applus in Huntington Beach, CA and was just beginning the start to what would have been a wonderful career with many certifications underway.

Justin is survived by his daughter, Jade, age 4, whom he loved and cherished very much, his mother, Shelley Messerschmidt, father and step-mother, John and Diane Messerschmidt, Grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and his dog, Lil’ Miss Puppy-Girl, Roxy. Justin was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Grady and Betty Fulce.

Justin’s gift was being a friend to all that met and knew him from children to oldsters. He was strong willed in his beliefs, honest, and always championed the underdog. He was fearless and compassionate, completely unorganized and very sentimental. Justin’s free spirit left us due to a tragic automobile accident. He will be missed by all who loved him and we take comfort in knowing he is now watching over us as our guardian angel.

A private memorial was given in Justin’s honor on Saturday, May 12th.

A public memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday May 16, 2012 ~ 4:30 P.M. at St. Johns Lutheran Church 4500 Buena Vista Road - Bakersfield, CA. Private Interment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a college fund account has been established for Justin’s daughter, Jade Messerschmidt. Donations may be made in care of Shelley Messerschmidt at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union