Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272099
Title: Thomas A. Messer
Date: 8/23/1051-3/6/2026
Inscription/Marks: 8/23/1951
Summary: Thomas A. Messer, 74, of Dickinson, ND, passed away March 6, 2026. Funeral services were held, March 11, 2026, at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery, Richardton, ND. Thomas Alan Messer, born on August 23, 1951, in Richardton, was the fourth of eleven children born to John T. and Emma (Boespflug) Messer. Growing up on the farm south of Taylor, Tom often shared fond memories of his childhood. He attended country school and graduated from Taylor High School in 1970. In 1974, Tom married Patricia Schaeffer, and together they raised five daughters: Wendy, Kari, Tanya, Jamie, and Elissa. Over the years, Tom proudly welcomed five sons-in-law, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild into the family. Tom worked at Behm's Propane for 16 years before starting his own business, Tom's Heating Service, in 1991. Known for his unwavering reliability, he built a loyal customer base who appreciated his willingness to provide help day or night. Many times, Tom would talk customers through quick fixes over the phone, saving them a service call. In 2017, he attempted to retire, but quickly realized he missed the activity and socialization. Tom proudly served with the Dickinson Rural Fire Department for 23 years and was a member of the Eagles and the Knights of Columbus. He regularly opened his garage to host informal gatherings and family reunions. As his health declined, we are grateful for his network of friends and family who continued to check in on him. Tom had a passion for his 1970s Chevy Cheyenne pickups and in 2021, he organized a pickup show that reflected his love and appreciation for classic vehicles. He loved to tinker and often had a project in progress. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and spending time outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, golfing, or gardening. Tom will be remembered for his hardworking nature, sense of humor, and lifetime of friendships. Tom is survived by his daughters: Wendy (Keith) Schmaltz, Bismarck, ND, Kari (Justin) Hall, Williston, ND, Tanya (Lane) Hall, Stanton, ND, Jamie (Jason) Privratsky, Dickinson, Elissa (Dylan) Northrop, Dickinson; eleven grandchildren, Shayla, Sheradyn, and Braxtyn Schmaltz, Katelyn (Camdin), Kendra, and Brooklyn Hall, Zachery and Lexus Gerving, Arabella and Grayson Privratsky, Vayda and baby Northrop; great-granddaughter, Oaklynn Schmaltz; siblings, Ken (Mindy) Messer, Joan (Clarence) Kuntz, Mary (Bob) Steffan, John (Pam) Messer, Donald (Rhonda) Messer, Linda (Mick) Bohn, Margie (Tony) Metz, Jim (Leslie) Messer, Tim (Cheryl) Messer, and JoCarol (Jerry) Losee; and longtime friend, Joyce Hoffer. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Emma Messer.
Red ID: FND_I_79592 Image ID: 555949 Image Notes: FND001 272099

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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