SGT Ivan Messersmith was born on May 12, 1999; the youngest son of Shawn and Carol Messersmith of Grand Island. Ivan grew up in Grand Island, tagging along with his older brothers. He graduated from Heartland Lutheran High School in 2018 and had enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard before his senior year.
Ivan was honored to be called to serve for six months in Afghanistan. He joined his platoon and enjoyed maintaining and flying in the chinook helicopters.
Following his deployment, Ivan enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln majoring in Civil Engineer. Ivan had a built-in determined ability to apply himself to his education and a bit of luck when playing cards and usually making his bid. He loved his family. The loving competitive spirit led him to excel at any sports he and his brothers started. He was also known for his wonderful smile and sharing in many late-night life talks. Ivan left this earth on November 11, 2020.
