Theresa Messer, 103, formerly Richardton, died Monday, October 7, 2019 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Theresa’s Mass of Christian Burial will be 9 a.m., Monday, October 14, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a rosary and vigil at 2 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service with Deacon Robert Bohn presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Theresa Freitag was born May 15, 1916 five miles northwest of Glen Ullin, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Meininger) Freitag. She lost her mother at two years of age and was raised by her father and older siblings. She attended a rural school in the Glen Ullin area where she completed eight years of education.

Theresa was united in marriage to Frank Messer on October 21, 1947. Following their marriage, she began her lifetime career of being a farm wife.

During her lifetime she survived polio, witnessed the great flu epidemic, the great depression, the dust bowl, two world wars and several other wars. Transportation moved from horse and buggy to luxurious automobiles. Other milestones included the conveniences of electricity and running water.

Theresa had many interests such as reading, crocheting, sewing, crossword and search-a-word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and cards. In addition, she was a member of the Rock and Gem Club.

Theresa is survived by her children, Elaine (Dwight) Schank, Dickinson, Leland (Maureen) Messer, Dickinson, and Margaret Messer, Fargo; four grandchildren, Troy (Kodi) Schank, Dana Schank, Jenifer (Andy) Werder and David Messer; great-grandchildren, Destiny, Michael, Justin, Kaylee, Laeken, Waverly and Grace; two great-great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Greyson: sister-in-law, Frances Freitag.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, on October 23, 2011; her parents; five brothers, Albert, Frank, Pete, Nick and infant brother, Leo; and two sisters, Katie Sibla and Anna Wanner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton.