Theodore Messner

Theodore “Ted” John Messner, 65, of Minot, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at a Minot hospital.

Ted was born July 16, 1949, in Fargo, the son of Theodore and Margaret (Myrhow) Messner. He was raised on a farm near Sanborn and educated near Rogers, graduating from North Central Barnes High School in 1967.

In June 1968, Ted joined the Air Force. He attended basic training at Lockland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and technical school at Chanute Air Force Base, Rantoul, Ill. He spent 20 years in the Air Force and was stationed in Utapao Air Force Base Thailand, Mather Air Force Base Rancho Cordova, Calif., and Minot Air Force Base. He retired as a master sergeant in May 1988.

On Oct. 5, 1973, he was united in marriage to Patricia (Nygaard) Garvey at Minot AFB. The couple made their home in Minot. After his retirement from the Air Force he was employed at Lockheed Martin, Vallely Sport and Marine and most recently fulfilling a passion by working for Van Hook Guide Service.

Ted enjoyed family, especially his grandchildren, hunting and fishing both recreationally and professionally. He was also an avid golfer and bowler.

Survivors: daughters, Kelli (Kevin) Reiter, Minot, and Karen Gorney, Wyoming; son, Ryan Messner, Minot; grandchildren, Makenzie (Jacob) Feil, Mason Reiter, Madison Reiter, Kjiesta Gorney, Kaplyn Gorney, Karter Gorney and Caitlyn Messner; great-grandson, Benton Feil; former son-in-law, Gary Gorney, Minot; sisters, Barbara Knutson, Mary Legge, and Harriet Nygaard, all of Jamestown; twin brother, Bill Messner, Jamestown; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Patt Messner; his parents; brother Donald Messner; brothers-in-law, Larry Nygaard and Greg Legge; nephews, Lonty Knutson and Steve Nygaard; and great-grandson Feil.

Although there are no preferred memorials, if you are able to do so, please donate at United Blood Services in Ted’s memory. We learned the value of this amazing gift through the many transfusions he received.

Liturgy of the Word will be offered 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2015, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Burial will take place in the spring at the Fairview Cemetery in Sanborn.

(Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot)