Stephen Douglas Messmer

Stephen Douglas Messmer, 72, died Sunday, March 31, at Livingston Health and Rehab in Livingston. Stephen was born Nov. 22, 1946 in Seattle, Washington to Frank and Mamie (Green) Messmer while he father worked as a defense contractor during and after WW2. He grew up in Bozeman where his father was a partner in the Haggerty-Messmer Construction Company. Stephen attended school in Bozeman and always had a job, including delivering papers, working at the Student Union Building at Montana State College, Gallatin Laundry, and Riverside Country Club. While living in Miles City he worked at Eastern Montana Industries. He will always be remembered as having an unfailing memory for faces, names, and addresses and always gave a friendly greeting when meeting people. A true gentleman. He participated in Special Olympics with bowling as his main activity. He could also shoot a mean game of pool and whacked away on the golf course with his parents. Following the death of his parents, he moved to Frontier Assisted Living in Livingston to be near his sister. He resided at Frontier for five years and had moved to Livingston Health and Rehab recently as his health declined. Survivors include a sister, Susan (Al) Williams of Raymond, Alberta, Canada; sister-in-law, Naomi Johnson of the Paradise Valley; brother-in-law, Jon Swenumson of Livingston; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James Messmer, and a sister, Donnalee Swenumson. A private service for immediate family was conducted by Pastor Paul Stern of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Stephen has been buried in Miles City alongside his parents. A memorial gathering is planned for later this summer. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to a non-profit of one's choice. Franzen-Davis Funeral Home of Livingston was entrusted with local arrangements.