George Messer, 77, Richardton, died Thursday, July 12, 2007, at his home in Richardton surrounded by his loving family after a brief, courageous battle with cancer.
George's Mass of Christian burial is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Richardton, with the Rev. Boniface Muggli as the celebrant and the Rev. Basil Atwell con-celebrating.
Interment is in St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors provided by the Richardton American Legion, Theo R. Zech Post 180.
Visitation is from 6-9 p.m. today at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with a rosary at 8 p.m., and continues from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Visitation continues from 6-9 p.m. on Monday at the church with a rosary and prayer service at 8 p.m. Visitation continues one hour prior to services on Tuesday.
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George Messer, son of Phillip Messer Sr. and Barbara (Martin) Messer, was born on Feb. 12, 1930, in Richardton. George grew up on the family farm, where his mother was born and raised, and attended rural grade school at the Heart River School District No 1. He attended this school from first through seventh grade, transferring to St. Mary's in Richardton where he completed the eighth grade. The following years George could be found at home, helping and working on the farm with his father.
In 1949, George traveled to Mason City, Iowa, where he attended and graduated from the Reisch School of Auctioneering. George returned to the family farm in 1951, to continue farming with his father and brother.
In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army serving eight months in the states and 16 months in Germany, in the Eighth Armored Division.
George married Anita Born on July 8, 1957, at St. Mary's Church, Richardton.
Together they had nine children. They raised their family on the same family farm that George was raised.
From 1960 to 1963, George served as president of the Livestock and Poultry Association for predator control. George was also a member of the Farm Bureau and Livestock Association and served as a dedicated member of the Hebron Creamery board for 14 years.
George was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years and a member of the Elks over 20 years. He served as Republican precinct committee man for the Heart River Precinct for 16 years and was also a member of the German Hungarian Club in Dickinson. George has been a member of the American Legion since 1958, where he served as post vice commander and post commander for a number of years.
George was a lifelong member of the Richardton community, being active in various community projects. George personally was the chairman of the youth committee and chairman of the endowment program for Richardton.
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He was president of the Richardton Rebel Booster Club and a very active member supporting football, basketball and baseball.
In 1991, he was recognized for being the only father to proudly support his children for 20 consecutive years of high school athletics.
In addition to being an active community member for many years, George will be remembered for his love of fishing, farming, hunting and card playing. He will also be remembered for his quick wit and jokes.
He enjoyed telling stories of his past with his children and grandchildren.
We will remember him for the love and kindness that he shared with his family, friends and all who knew him.
George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anita, Richardton; six sons, Remy Messer, Bismarck, Cary (Audrey) Messer, Richardton, Terrance (Joyce) Messer, Las Vegas Nev., Todd (Jolene) Messer, Dickinson, Kelly (Amanda) Messer, Bismarck, and Quinn Messer, Bismarck; two daughters, Kimberly (Harold) Rebel, New Salem, and Lisa Lawrence, Bismarck; sisters Eleanor (Leo) Hoff, Richardton, Helen (Cecil) Gartner, Sidney, Mont., Lena Messmer, Corvalis, Ore., Aurelia (Tom) Ried, Fort Worth, Texas, and Satona (Robin) Gartner, Germany; two brothers, Ralph (Beatrice) Messer, Richardton, and Phillip (Betty) Messer, Richardton; 24 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip Sr. and Barbara Messer; one daughter, Carol Marie Messer; two grandchildren, Lee Messer and Shane Rebel; two brothers, Paul and Tony Messer; and one sister, Sally Bascherini.
(Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson)
