MESSMER: Melvin
April 8, 1943 鈥� January 18, 2017
The death of Melvin Messmer of Humboldt, SK occurred on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, SK. He was 73 years of age. Mel was born on April 8, 1943 to Mike and Agnes (nee Lanz) Messmer in Humboldt, SK. He completed his education at St. James School. Mel grew up on a farm near Stoney Lake and helped on the family farm, where his love for horses grew. Mel also had the gift of music which was showcased at an early age when he played his accordion at his Grade 1 school Christmas concert. He was very mechanically inclined and at age 16 started his first job working for Len Kommes at Humboldt Motors in 1959. His mechanics career saw him working at several garages around town, including Dust Motors for Donny and Boots Dust, Bernard Motors, Leo Tonn鈥檚 Garage, and then back to Humboldt Motors, where he worked for Herb and Cliff Schlosser. Mel鈥檚 love for everything 鈥淔ord鈥� began early in his life. He retired in 1988 from Humboldt Motors when a disabling shoulder injury took him away from his passion. One of his fondest memories was touring the Ford Factory in Detroit in 1979 鈥� a trip he truly enjoyed. His mechanical expertise was not only limited to the auto industry but to anything that needed fixing. Mel met the love of his life, Jean Frank, at a young age and they were wed on July 13, 1963. They had three daughters whom he adored. They lived in town for a couple of years and then made their home on the acreage where Mel and Jean resided until 2010. Due to Mel鈥檚 declining health, the last six years they have resided at Eastside Village where, despite Mel鈥檚 struggles, he made many good friends and many wonderful memories. His family meant the world to him and he enjoyed many conversations and jokes with his children and grandchildren. The joyous energy of the great-grandchildren always made Mel chuckle and put a big smile on his face. Mel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Jean (nee Frank) Messmer; his three daughters: Nadine (Leon) Stuckel and their family, Calen, Branden (Blake Babcock), and Nathen (Danielle Franks); Lisa (Duane) Freriks and their family, Shyla (Sean) Miller and his daughter Mya, Shelby (TJ) Hastings, and Kendall (Brandon Schreiner); Pamela (Vance) Arnason and their family, Jasmine and Aubrey (Trevor) Bailey, Chase and his daughter Tahlia, Savannah (Jordan) Gursky and their children Cole and Emma, and Mason. There was also a Special Place in Mel鈥檚 heart for his five Godchildren: Corey Krentz, Holly Vedress, Troy Elkin, Wes Messmer, and Trish (Elkin) Hunter. Mel is also survived by his sisters: Barbara Reifferscheid and Kathy (Orest) Polowick; brother, Dennis (Flora) Messmer; sister-in-law, Ann Messmer; brother-in-law, Jerome Reifferscheid; Jean鈥檚 family: brother-in-law Larry (Sharon) Frank; sisters-in-law: Sandra (Dave) Elkin, and Adele (Randy) Burynuik; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Agnes (Lanz) Messmer; Jean鈥檚 parents, Alois and Edith (Jordan) Frank; brother, John Messmer; sisters: Rose Reifferscheid, and Jean Knitter; brothers-in-law: George Reifferscheid, and Henry Knitter; and nephews: Dean Messmer and Timothy Polowick. The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Humboldt, SK, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Joseph Salihu. Others taking part were: Mason Arnason, crossbearer; Benji Schlosser and Bill Bergermann, mass servers; Kendall Freriks and Shyla Freriks, scripture readers; Chase Arnason, Nathen Stuckel and Branden Stuckel, intentions; Shelby Hastings and Jasmine Messmer, giftbearers; Mary Schlosser and Kathy Tumback, memorial table attendants. Music ministry was provided by director Loretta Schugmann, organist Dolores Hinz, and members of St. Augustine Parish Choir. Honorary pallbearers were 鈥渁ll those who shared in Mel鈥檚 life.鈥� The urnbearer was Calen Stuckel (and all the rest of the grandchildren). Interment followed at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Cemetery, Humboldt, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to the Humboldt District Hospital Palliative Care Unit or the Sask. Abilities Council.聽 Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel.
