Melvin L. Messner, age 67, resident of Pekin, ND, died Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at his home in Pekin.

Melvin Leroy Messner was born March 1, 1940 at Pekin, the son of Clarence and Ingeborg (Torrison) Messner. He was raised and educated there, graduating Pekin High School in 1958. He was very involved with sports during high school, especially basketball and baseball. Melvin then attended Mayville State College for 2 years. He then served in the United States Army for 2 years, serving in Ludwigsberg, Germany. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in Minneapolis, MN. He then worked with his uncle, Selmer Torrison, helping with the farm work near Warwick, ND. Melvin retired and spent his time reading and going for walks.

Melvin is survived by his brother, Loren (Sandra) Messner of Fargo, ND; 3 sisters-in-law, Cheryle Messner of Hillsboro, ND, Claudia Jean Messner of San Antonio, TX, and Marilyn Messner of Fargo, ND; 1 aunt, Olivia Miller of Fargo, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Dorothy Brude, Rose Ditzler, Bernice Messner, and Louise Barry; and 3 brothers, Vernon Messner, Ervin Messner, and Donald Messner.

Melvin's Memorial Service will be held at the Pekin Lutheran Church of Pekin, ND, on Monday, June 4, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend David Nichols. The organist will be Ellen Burthold. Interment will be in the Pekin Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Morken-Christianson American Legion Post #182 of Pekin.

Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home