Richard "Dick" Sperl

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David Ziegler Messner on October 6, 2024. After suffering a stroke in late July, he passed peacefully, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 76 years old. David is survived by his loving wife, Robyn, and children Felicity (Alec) Ross of Baltimore, MD, Adam (Allison) Messner of Mill Valley, CA, Chye (François) de Ryckel of Bangkok, Thailand and sister, Mary Messner. He will also be greatly missed by his 8 grandchildren: Colton, Tehle, Sawyer, Max, Coco, Lena, Temwani and Henri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Messner and Dorothy Messner Lyles, and his brother, John Messner. 

David was born on September 13, 1948 in Michigan City, Indiana. He attended Isaac C. Elston High School, where he met his wife Robyn, “the cute girl with curly blonde hair.” He went on to graduate from Western Michigan University,where he studied political science and history. A lifelong learner, David continued his studies at Michigan State University, first earning a masters degree and later a doctorate in K-12 Educational Administration. 

David’s student-teaching experience in Barcelona while a newlywed, launched David and Robyn’s international travel tradition. They enjoyed discovering new places together as well as visiting their far-flung children. Their youngest, Chye, drew them to destinations from Thailand to Zambia.

David’s long career in education began in DeWitt, Michigan as a social studies and journalism teacher. Soon thereafter, he moved into administrative roles, serving as the assistant high school principal in Bath, MI and then Holt, MI. In 1984, he moved his family to Dexter, MI, where he served for 16 years as the high school principal and then as the assistant superintendent. He especially treasured his time as principal when each of his three children were in attendance. He finished his career in education serving as the principal of Lake Placid Middle/High School in Lake Placid, NY and, later, as the assistant principal of the Renaissance Charter School of Port St. Lucie, where he worked with elementary students and loved it! 

David took pride in teaching his grandchildren skills from fishing to running a fantasy football team to how to respect the turtle nests that dotted the beach in front of his condo. He was an enthusiastic cheerleader for each of his children and grandchildren in everything they pursued, from sports to competitive chess to musical theater, watching them both in person and from halfway around the world online.

“Disco Dave” or “Davey,” as he was known to his fellow senior softball players, played 3rd base on two different teams several times a week. As a long-time lover of playing and watching sports, he loved the activity and the connection to his teammates. David also enjoyed frequent walks on the beach, where he filmed his “meditation minute” that he shared on Facebook daily and also collected shells that he would leave on the counter for Robyn who would then place them on every available surface and into every bowl in the house. In his retirement, he became an avid amateur wildlife photographer, picking up a hobby long-enjoyed by his wife. 

From coaching Felicity’s 8-and-Under soccer team to leading the Stanford University Men’s Swimming and Diving Parent Organization when his son Adam was on the team, he was committed to being involved in his children’s lives, helping where and when he was needed. He volunteered for years at the Florida Oceanographic Society, where he spent his time teaching visitors about stingrays and was a member of his condominium’s Board of Directors.

David took great care and pride in documenting and sharing his experiences through holiday slideshows, a softball and general musings email and stories told over board games. His legacy and impact will be remembered by those he inspired to live full and vibrant lives. 

His favorite color was blue.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, December 15 from 3 to 5 at the Jensen Beach Community Center, located at 1912 NE Jensen Beach Blvd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957.  Donations in his memory can be made to wildlife preservation through the Florida Oceanographic Society.