Mike William Messner

Obituary

Mike William Messner was born May 24, 1926, in Lafayette, Minnesota, to Mae (Miller) and Levi Messner. Mike was one of eleven children.

In December, 1944, at age 18, Mike volunteered to serve in the United States Navy. He would go on to serve in World War II, in Algeria and in England. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with three medals.

In 1951, Mike volunteered with the United States Armed Forces so that he could serve with his brother, Melvin. He was honorably discharged and earned a medal for service in Japan.

On April 17, 1954, Mike was united in marriage to Joyce Boelter and the couple was blessed with three children; Michael, Russell and Faye. Mike and Joyce shared 71 years of marriage, and were lifelong Gaylord residents.

Mike worked as a laborer for Orrin Thompson Homes in the Twin Cities for many years. Upon retirement, he helped his son Russ with his masonry business. And into his early 90's, Mike spent countless hours in a tractor, helping local farmers with their fall harvest. He loved to drive those big tractors and always looked forward to that call for help.

In 1988, Mike and Joyce made their first trip to Florida. For more than 30 years, they spent their winters in Fort Myers, where Mike was very happy. By June of each year, he was already looking forward to the winter months. Every year, they would make the long drive to Fort Myers, with Mike behind the wheel.

Mike worked hard all his life, and he was always ready to help his children with any projects they had. He was a faithful member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Winthrop, and always sought out the church affiliate in Florida, where he also attended regularly. His favorite pastimes were reading the bible, watching westerns on TV, and tending to his green lawn. He was beloved by all, with ready hugs for everyone.

Mike passed away peacefully at his home in Gaylord on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the age of 99 years. Blessed be his memory.

Mike is survived by his:
Wife,                Joyce Messner of Gaylord, MN;
Children,          Michael (Cheryl) Messner of Gaylord, MN
                        Russell (Teresa) Messner of Gaylord, MN, and
                        Faye (Jim) Odegaard of Carver, MN;
Grandchildren, Dana (Kent) Stein of St. Peter, MN; Chenelle (Taylor) Montgomery of Costa Mesa, CA; Marshall (Ashley) Messner of Gaylord, MN; Molly (Justin) Luckoff of Carver, MN;
Great-grandchildren, Myles and Riley Messner, Reese and Marlowe Montgomery, Remi, Parker and Taryn Stein;
Sisters, Shirley Demm and Ida Bell Witt;
Brother, Gerald (Brenda) Messner;
Sister-in-law, Bernadine Messner;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his Parents, Levi and Mae Messner; Sister, Hazel (Elmer) Schmidt; Brothers, Harold (Geraldine) Messner, Raymond Messner, Melvin (Vernita) Messner, Harvey (Verda) Messner, Marvin (Geri) Messner and Donald (Viola) Messner; Brothers-in-law, Donald Witt and Lowell Demm; Sister-in-law, Millie Messner; Grandchildren, Dustin Messner and Catina Odegaard.