Raymond “Sonny” Michael Messer, Jr., 49, Dickinson, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at his home. Ray’s funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Deacon Ralph Stockert presiding. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Military honors will be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation with an gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Sonny was born October 1, 1965 in Dickinson, the son of Raymond and Marilyn (Frenzel) Messer. He was raised and educated in the Dickinson area, graduating from Dickinson High School in 1983. He attended the North Dakota State College of Science and also served honorably in the North Dakota National Guard.
Sonny married Rhonda Lyon in 1989 in Joshua Tree, California, where they resided. He became a proud stepfather to Nathan, and Sonny and Rhonda were later blessed with their son Briley and daughter Moriah. They returned to Dickinson to establish their permanent home.
Sonny was smart, witty, and enjoyed making his family laugh with his extravagant story telling. Sonny found passion in baking. His family and coworkers always looked forward to trying his new recipes. He was employed by Family Fare as the head baker.
Sonny is survived by his son, Briley Messer, Japan; his daughter, Moriah Messer, Fort Collins, Colorado; his 9 siblings, Marilyn Kenly, Elgin, Texas, Candice Messer, Elgin, Texas, Michelle (Vern) Howard, Lewistown, Montana, DeAnne Messer, Gladstone, Kim Krug, Dickinson, Wendy Messer, Dickinson, Tobias (Sheri) Messer, Dickinson, Melissa (Jerrod) Warner, Dickinson, and Jessica Messer, Dickinson; his grandma, Eugenia Messer; 21 nieces and nephews; 2 great nieces and 1 great nephew; several aunts and uncles; and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Lorene Messer; sisters, Annette Messer and Belinda Messer; his ex-wife and friend, Rhonda Messer; and stepson, Nathan Messer.
