Frank Messer, 96, formerly of Richardton, died Sunday, October 23, 2011 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Frank’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton, with Fr. Boniface Muggli, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will be provided by the Richardton American Legion, Theo R. Zech Post #180 following the Mass. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Frank Messer was born June 9, 1915 on the family farm nine miles north east of Richardton, the son of Thomas and Rose (Kuntz) Messer. He was raised and educated here, having attended a country school in the area. Frank had worked in the CCC’s four different times, in Boyse, Mont., Bemidji, Minn., and Sidney, Mont. He then served honorably in the United States Army stationed at Camp Hood, Topeka, Kan.
Frank married Theresa Freitag on October 21, 1947 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Glen Ullin. Together they farmed and he would also shear sheep. He was a 60 plus year member of the American Legion, and had also belonged to the Rock & Gem Club. Frank enjoyed working with rocks, woodworking, fishing, playing cards and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Theresa; their three children, Elaine (Dwight) Schank, Richardton, Leland (Maureen) Messer, Dickinson, and Margaret Messer, Fargo; four grandchildren, Troy (Kodi) Schank, Dana Schank, Jenifer (Andrew) Werder, and David (Kari Moore) Messer; and six great-grandchildren, Destiny Schank, Grace Werder, Michael Moore, Justin Moore, Kaylee Schank and Austin Moore. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Nick, John and Val; and one sister, Eva.
