Roger T. Messner

Roger Theadore Messner, age 81 of rural Tolna, ND passed away Saturday, December 17th, 2016 at his home.

Roger was born April 15, 1935, son of Martin and Nettie (Hensrud) Messner. He grew up in rural Tolna and attended school in Forde Township. Roger married Rhoda (Deehr) on December 30th, 1956 at the Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna, ND. Roger served on the Sigdal Church, Tolna Rural Fire Department, Tolna Farmers Union Oil Company, the Forde Township and Pekin Elevator Boards. In 1978-80, Roger and Rhoda managed Stump Lake Park, and he was a Nelson County Deputy from 1977-1986. Roger was a welder craftsman. He loved sharing his skill by building and donating the Sigdal Church Signs, anchor/cross Bergan Cemetery markers, creating lovely garden sculptures for Rhoda along with many more useful farm tools and equipment. Roger and Rhoda lived a successful life farming and raising their six children.

Roger loved his home and his family and touched the hearts of everyone he met.

Roger will be deeply missed by his wife, Rhoda Messner and his children: Roxanne Kromarek of Scranton, ND; Renae (Jay) Opoien of Buffalo, ND; Rhonda (Jefferey) Avdem of Pekin, ND; Ross (Gay) Messner of Pekin, ND; Roberta (Carlos) Quintero, Fargo, ND; Rodney (Lynn) Messner, Grandin, ND; Grandchildren: Amber (Joshua) Umbriet, Joshua Powell, Kyle (Jamie) Kromarek, Dustin Kromarek, Casey Kromarek; Sandra (Jayson) Bildstein, Matthew (Charlotte) Opoien, Sadie (Alex) Six, Sarah Opoien, Mark Opoien; Anita Hoyt, Adam (Jessica) Hoyt; Jeremiah (Kari) Messner, Joseph Messner, Brandy (Adam) Edwards, Kelly McCardle, and Austin Messner; Great-Grandchildren: Emma, Addie, Joshua Umbriet, Natalie and Elliott Kromarek, Gwendalyn, Jackson, Cordelia, Broderick Bildstein, Emma, Gavin, Ellie Opoien, Melaina Morris, Blake Hoyt, Ryker and Kynley Hoyt, Rhett Messner, Sophie Edwards; Brothers John (Margy) Messner and Norris (Char) Messner; Sisters Shirley (Bernard) Wavra and Deanna Devereaux; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter Chloe, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, and 3 sisters-in-law.

Words seem to fall short when trying to explain Roger. He impacted a great number of those close to him. He truly loved his family, his town and North Dakota. You couldn't help but recognize the warmth that Roger brought to your heart, simply with his smile.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna, ND. Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, 2016 beginning at 5 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna, ND. Interment will be in the spring at Bergen Cemetery, rural Tolna, ND.

He will be FOREVER in our HEARTS.

Rhoda, Roxanne, Renae, Rhonda, Ross, Roberta, Rodney