Rhoda Messner Obituary

Rhoda Lee (Deehr) Messner, age 86 of rural Tolna, ND passed away Sunday, July 13th, 2025 at the NCHS Care Center, McVille, ND.

Rhoda was born January 24, 1939, daughter of Terrance and Constance Deehr. After she was born, her mother had to carry her from the McVille hospital to the train station in a snowstorm. The train then took them to Tolna where her father was awaiting with horse and sleigh. She grew up with an older sister Stella and younger brother Terry.

Rhoda married Roger Messner on December 30th, 1956, at the Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna, ND. She was a lifetime member of the Sigdal Church Board, Sigdal Ladies Aid, and when it came to anything involving the church, Rhoda was there. She was also on the Bergen Cemetery Board for many years. Rhoda and Roger managed Stump Lake Park back in 1978 to 1980. Rhoda started a hobby of baking cakes for all occasions. Baking was always a must especially when she knew family or anyone coming for a visit. Anything from cookies, brownies, apple turnovers, homemade bread and buns. When there was a holiday, the meal could consist of homemade noodles and sauerkraut. One thing she was known for was trying to attend as many family birthdays, weddings, school concerts, graduations, basketball games etc. She also kept herself busy cleaning houses, painting (indoors and outdoors) at many locations for many people and businesses. Her prize possession on the farm was her flower garden. Roger created lovely garden sculptures for her which she displayed.

Rhoda loved her farm and her family and touched the hearts of everyone she met.

Rhoda will be deeply missed by her children: Roxanne Kromarek of Scranton, ND; Renae (Jay) Opoien of Pekin, ND; Rhonda (Jefferey) Avdem of Pekin, ND; Ross (Gay) Messner of Pekin, ND; Roberta (Carlos) Quintero, Fargo, ND; Rodney (Lynn) Messner, Grandin, ND; 17 Grandchildren and 28 Great-Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Roger; her parents; a great-granddaughter Chloe Edwards; sister-in-law Karen Deehr.

She will be FOREVER and ALWAYS in our HEARTS.

Roxanne, Renae, Rhonda, Ross, Roberta, Rodney

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18th from 5 to 7 pm with prayer service at 7 pm at Sigdal Lutheran Church rural Tolna, ND.

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, July 19th, 2025 at Sigdal Lutheran Church rural Tolna, ND.

Burial will be at Bergen Cemetery.