Ernest L. Messmer, 77, Dickinson died Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck after a battle with cancer that was exacerbated by other complications. Ernie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 13, 2009 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jim Braaten as celebrant and assisted by Deacon Ray Jilek. Interment will take place on Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team following the mass. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding.
Ernie was born on a farm northwest of Mott on November 15, 1931 the son of Alois and Philipena (Marthaller) Messmer. He attended rural grade school and graduated from Mott Lincoln High School in 1949.
Ernie worked at Mott Supply until June 1952 when he was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Korea with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division as a Unit Personnel Specialist until his Honorable Discharge in July 1954. Ernie obtained the E-5 rank of Sergeant and sang as a member of the 7th Cavalry’s Garry Owen Chorus.
On August 16, 1954 Ernie married Pauline Biel at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. To this union were born four boys and six girls. They lived in Mott until April 1966. Upon moving to Dickinson, Ernie was employed for 25 years at Schilla’s Hardware.
Ernie and his wife, Pauline, have been active members of St. Wenceslaus Church since 1966. He sang in the church choir, was an usher, collection counter and helped with the St. Wenceslaus Spring Festival and the Trinity Mardi Gras.
Ernie was awarded ND Knight of the year in 1997, an Honorary Life Member of K.C. Council 8839 and a 4th Degree Member. He has been a 30 year member of the Dickinson Lion’s Club, a 50 year member of the American Legion, and an Honorary Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an active volunteer for various organizations including the AARP, Tax-Aide Program, The American Red Cross, the Badlanders’ Chorus, and Meals-on-Wheels.
Ernie enjoyed coin collecting, volunteer income tax work, wood working and volunteering at St. Benedict’s Health Center. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at athletic and other various events.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pauline; three sons and five daughters: Kathy (Tim) Hoyt, Dickinson, Jeff (Karen) Messmer, West Des Moines, Iowa, Bev (Jay) Tooley, Dickinson, Joel (Sheila) Messmer, Aurora, Colo., Jonella (Kelly) Snyder, Hazen, Nadine (Lance) Scranton, Craig, Colo., Tina (Pete) Krieg, Peachtree City, Ga., and Dana (Cassandra) Messmer, Rapid City, S.D.; 25 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Albert (Josephine) Messmer, Mott, Victor (Clara) Messmer, Mott, Venita (Don) Blatz, Lino Lakes, Minn. Ernie was preceded in death by parents, Alois and Philipena Messmer; brother Clarence; son Sydney “Syd”; and infant daughter Mary Kathryn.
