Mike R. Messer, 80, Dickinson, formerly south of Richardton area died Friday, September 15, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius, Dickinson. Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 21, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, south of Richardton, with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Richardton American Legion Theo R. Zech Post 180. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, with a rosary at 7 p.m., led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services on Thursday.
Mike Richard Messer was born October 26, 1936, son of John A. and Katie (Greff) Messer on the Messer family farm near Richardton. He was raised on the family farm and was educated in country schools and the Assumption Abbey. He joined the National Guard at Mott for six years. He was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis.
Mike married Irene Laches on September 16, 1957 at St. Michael’s Church, rural Regent. They lived in Mott for four years where he worked various jobs. After the Berlin Crisis, being located in Ft. Riley, Kansas from 1961 to 1962, Mike and Irene started farming and ranching near Lefor and Regent until retirement in Dickinson. He also drove school bus and activity bus. They have two children, Steve who took over farming and works at Northwest Tire in Dickinson and Janie Kringen who teaches in New Town.
Mike was a member of St. Stephen’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Madison Township Board or many years and Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to old time music and polka dancing.
Mike is survived by his wife, Irene, Dickinson; children, Steve Messer, Regent, and Janie (Herb) Kringen, Mandan; siblings, Albert (Delores) Messer, Anaconda, Mont., Larry (Diane) Messer, Richardton, Eddy (Debbie) Messer, Beyers, Colo., Alice (Howard) Steiner, Mott, Bernie (Jim) Staudinger, Taylor and Kathy (Kenny) Hueske, Richardton; sisters-in-law, Polly Messer, Eileen Messer and Veronica Messer; brothers-in-law, Cornell Hoff and Ronnie Kopp; and many nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kasper Messer, Joe Messer, Clarence Messer, and Norman Messer; sisters, Deloris Hoff and JoAnn Kopp.
Memorials are preferred to the St. Stephen’s Cemetery.
