Kyle Vincent Messerli (29) passed tragically on August 5, 2020, at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission in Overland Park, KS, at peace and surrounded by his loving family.
Kyle was born on February 9, 1991, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended St. Ann Catholic School, Rockhurst High School, and Kansas State University, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.
A chubby, happy baby, Kyle grew into a handsome, sensitive, and thoughtful young man. He was his big brother’s greatest admirer and was extremely proud of his little sister.
A builder and creator at heart, Kyle’s passion for LEGO sets as a child grew into a fascination with architecture and a career in the construction industry.
Kyle loved nature and animals. He relished family hikes in the mountains, coasts, and countryside. From the wilderness of Big Sur to the mountains of Colorado, to the beaches of Mexico, to the Ligurian coast in Italy, Kyle was never as happy as when he was surrounded by his family away from the distractions and pressures of modern life.
Never without a beloved pet (or a menagerie of pets), including his adopted cat Maeby, Kyle was also a pet-sitter extraordinaire for many families. He soaked up animal trivia and loved watching nature shows
Kyle loved cooking — especially Italian cuisine — and often delighted family and friends with his creations. One of his favorite experiences was the private cooking class his family took at a small farmhouse in the hills of Tuscany.
A little mischievous at heart and with a wry sense of humor, Kyle was always right in the middle of goofy antics with his big brother and his cousins at family gatherings.
Kyle’s life was a precious gift to his family for 29 wonderful years and continues to be to many others, including the four people whose lives have been saved by his selfless gift of organ donation. He will be remembered for his curiosity, his love of animals, his creative mind, his thoughtful, kind, generous spirit, and his deep love of his family and friends.
He is survived by his parents, Joellen (O’Byrne) and Rob Messerli of Prairie Village, KS, his brother Robbie Messerli of Overland Park, his sister Marianna Messerli of Washington DC, his grandmother Mary Jo O’Byrne of Prairie Village, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert D. O’Byrne, and his paternal grandparents, Bob and Peggy Messerli.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village at 5:30 pm on Thursday, August 13, 2020. In compliance with social distancing requirements, seating will be limited to 110 people plus family. For those unable to attend in person, the mass will be live streamed on https://www.stannpv.org/ and on https://www.facebook.com/stanncatholicpv. Burial will be private. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
In lieu of flowers, Kyle’s family requests that donations be offered to Great Plains SPCA (www.greatplainsspca.org) and Wayside Waifs (www.waysidewaifs.org).
A really handsome young man and such a tragedy to have his life cut short.
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you and your family.
My condolences and prayers to Kyle’s family and friends; such a tragic loss. I did not have the opportunity to get to know Kyle because he worked out in the field and I in the office, but I know he will be missed by all of us.
Kyle revealed himself as an inquisitive, ambitious, and kindhearted individual in the short time that I knew him.
I’ll miss playing Animal Crossing with him, and catching up on workplace rumors—commiserating over a cigarette.
I’m sorry we didn’t get more time. Sorry I wasn’t more aware of the time we had.
Rest In Peace, Kyle.
Any life cut short is one that is tragic. Although I did not know Kyle, it sounds as if he enjoyed a full life with many interests and loves. I know he was surrounded by a loving family that interjected amazing life experiences. We wish him peace.
No words can truly express how sorry I am for your loss. No one should have to go through the heartache of losing a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
As a classmate of Kyle’s at St. Ann’s I have not spoken to Kyle in quite a long time. I wanted to let your family know that the few classmates who have heard this news have been so upset. Kyle was such a smart, kind kid that the world needed more of. I cannot imagine this pain for your family. Thinking of you.
Such a tragedy for his family. My sympathy and prayers go out to them all. I am so sorry for your loss.
Such a tragedy. My sympathy and prayers go out to them all I am so sorry for your loss.
I worked with Kyle at Terracon…what a cutie! I don’t think I had ever seen him mad even when I gave him early start times. I wouldn’t say he was exactly thrilled about the early hour, but never mad. He would come in from the field and I’d say “Hey Kyle, go pick us up lunch… I’ll buy this time and you can buy next time”. Problem was, it was always the exact same conversation! That kid owes me lunches. I was shocked to hear this sad news a few days ago, but now, I’m just sad. I’m sad for his folks, I’m sad for his siblings, I’m sad for Alex and Jack. I’m sad that he is no longer part of my world. I felt like a mother hen to him.
I selfishly had every intention of attending his service but I now think I am going to watch the live streaming so those people who are much closer to Kyle than I was can attend.
Could someone message me Kyle’s parents address so I can get a card to them please?
My deepest condolences to all of Kyle’s family and friends!
Joellen, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in all of the beautiful memories that you created and shared.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers during this difficult time to the entire family.
Kyle had a relaxed comfortable caring style that made him both easy to be around and a pleasure. Surely his life here was way too short. I am sure in his death, as in his life he will touch many with his warm heart! May he rest in peace . He is now part of the could of witnesses in heaven that cheer us all on. God Bless you and keep you Kyle. May your family and friends have peace knowing they will see you again.
I only had the pleasure of meeting Kyle a couple times but he was a Messerli, so naturally a good human being. Our family grieves but more than that, want to celebrate his life. He seemed to be one of the most compassionate souls and the world lost a good one. Peace be with your family.
❤️❤️❤️
Kyle, I will miss you. Rob, thank you for the gift of your message. You were full of God’s grace and strength.
I love you all Messerli’s, you are truly such a special family. Danny Hogerty, III
Joellen and Rob, we are heartbroken for you, Robbie, Marianna and your extended family. He sounds like a wonderful person and a true blessing to everyone who knew him. Our deepest condolences and prayers for peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Nancy and Andy
Joellen, Rob and family,
We just learned of Kyle’s passing and wanted you to know that we are incredibly sorry for your very painful loss. May peace always be with all of you.
Chloe and I had a wonderful conversation about your kind, loving son the other night. His classmates valued his kind nature, and we as parents saw his amazing integrity shine. Know you are all in our hearts & prayers.
The Donica/Lundgren Family