Anthony (Tony) Messmer

ANTHONY “TONY” MESSMER, 68, Bismarck, formerly of Richardton, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 am MST Tuesday, June 18, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm CST Monday, June 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 pm.

   Tony was born October 27, 1950 in Richardton to Ray and Minnie (Jahner) Messmer, the 9^th of 12 children. He attended school at St. Mary’s and Assumption Abbey and obtained a degree in Business Administration from Dickinson State College.

   On February 1, 1969 he married Karen Hoerner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and together they raised their three children. Tony was employed as a ND State Tax auditor for five years before returning to Richardton to raise Red Angus cattle and manage the family grain farm. His father Ray was the first purebred Red Angus breeder in North Dakota. Tony continued his Red Angus operation until 2010.

   Tony was a 32-year director of Bremer Bank, a 33-year director of Consolidated Telcom-Dickinson, a member of ND Red Angus and director of American Red Angus Association. He served on boards for Southwest Grain Cooperative, Dakotas America and Stark County Ag Improvement Association. Tony was a lector at St. Mary’s Church, member of the Richardton Lions Club, Dickinson Elks and ND Stockmen’s Association. He and Karen were recipients of the American Red Angus Breeder of the Year, Stark County Soil Conservation District Overall Achievement, West River Ag Expo, Ag Family of the Year and Distinguished Alumni Fellows of DSU.

   While committed to the farm and his community, Tony found his greatest joy in following the endeavors of his children and grandchildren by supporting all of their activities from sports to music to theater. He had a love for movies so intense he was often heard quoting lines. Tony’s passion for music has spanned decades including a Santana concert to cross off his bucket list. He was a fierce pinochle player with anyone who would pull up a chair, especially his grandkids who always wanted to be his partner. Tony never missed a Bison football game while Chet played. Sunday afternoons in the fall were special to Tony as he spent them with his beloved Packers.

   Tony is survived by his wife, Karen, of 50 years and three children: Chet (Janet), Mesa, AZ; Stephanie (Thomas) Halvorson and Mandy Wardner, both from Bismarck; seven grandchildren, Tate (Sarah) Messmer, Bismarck, Morgan Messmer, Boise, ID, Jessica Keller, Jayden Keller, Paige Keller, Capin Wardner and Sinjin Wardner all of Bismarck. He is also survived by five sisters and four brothers; Sr. Stephanie Messmer, David (Angie) Messmer, Wallace (Kathy) Messmer, Rosalie (Wayne) Kudrna, Margie Messer, Tim (Donna) Messmer, Ralph Messmer, Jeanie (Jim) Barta and Bernie (Dennis) Brady, and numerous nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Annie; infant sister Mary; brothers-in-law Ted and Marvin Messer; sister-in-law Jackie Messmer; and nieces Cora Messmer and Mary Messmer-Rosario.

   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton or Assumption Abbey.