Norris Martin Messner

Norris Martin Messner of Tolna, ND passed away in the early hours of April 13, 2025.

Norris was born on a farm near Pekin, ND on September 1, 1925 to Martin and Nettie (Hensrud) Messner. Along with his nine brothers and sisters, he learned very young how to work the land and raise farm animals. He was taught to be entrepreneurial and self-sufficient by his Grandparents who had immigrated from Norway and Germany and settled in rural Pekin.

Norris farmed with his father until he enlisted in the Army during World War II, where he was prepared to fight in the Pacific theater. He was on a merchant marine ship bound for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bombs were dropped, ending the war. He was sent to Korea to disarm Japanese forces there, and spent a year there before returning home and being honorably discharged.

On June 6, 1948 Norris was married to Marvis Ione Enstad. They moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Norris worked as a mechanic for the Red River Ford dealer and Marvis was a Nurse at Deaconess Hospital. After a couple years in Grand Forks they settled on the Enstad family farm South of Pekin where they raised their four children, Douglas, Bradley, Gregory, and Audrey. Norris farmed with his father-in-law, Obert Enstad, and Marvis was a nurse at the McVille community hospital. They attended Sheyenne Lutheran Church and were very active in the surrounding communities. Family was very important and their summers were filled with reunions and traveling to see friends and family. They were blessed to have their children and grandchildren living nearby, and were able to be involved in their grandchildren’s lives daily. As his grandchildren grew, Norris showed them how to work and play hard. He introduced them to farming and gave them their first job, mowing his lawn. Hunting deer became a favorite family event, and it created lifelong memories. Following a fire in their farmhouse, they moved to McVille where they lived until Marvis’ passing.

In time Norris fell in love with Charlene (Char) Diane Breckheimer, they were married on October 26, 2002, and their joined family grew. Norris and Char lived in McVille where they continued to be active in the surrounding communities and engaged in their many grandchildren’s lives. They spent summer weekends at their cabin on Tolna Dam and winters in Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed golfing, dancing, trips to the casino, and many social events. They took great care of their AZ neighbors, keeping their community safe, comforting friends who’d lost loved ones or were alone, and helping to maintain houses, bicycles and more. Over the years they developed deep friendships with other winter travelers from ND, MN, and Canada. Norris began his farming career as a boy using a horse and plow, and for over 70 years he adapted to the advances in technology until he retired at 85 yrs old in an era of GPS and auto-drive machinery. In 2021 Norris and Char moved to Tolna, ND, where they continued to be active in the community and care for neighbors.

Norris had an aura of strength and toughness that was unmistakable. His large hands, powerful arms, and tanned face told the story of a man who had worked hard in the elements his whole life. His strength was matched only by a genuine warmth and friendliness that could be seen in his bright eyes and felt whenever he smiled. He was always ready with a sturdy handshake for the men and a big hug for the ladies. He had a quick wit and signature wink that let you in on his jokes. Norris was a truly remarkable man who left an impression on everyone that met him. He will be deeply missed by his family, including his beloved wife Charlene, his sons Douglas, Bradley, and Gregory, his daughter-in-law Karla, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His life and legacy will be honored and remembered forever.

He was preceded in death by his late wife, Marvis, his daughter, Audrey, his daughters-in-law Bette and Kathleen. He is survived by his brother John and his sister Shirley.

Services for Norris will be held at Sheyenne Lutheran Church, rural Pekin, at 11:00am on Monday, April 21, 2025 with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00.

Burial will be held at a later date.