Donald "Don" Kenneth Messner

PEORIA - Donald Kenneth Messner age 96, of Peoria died peacefully at Apostolic Christian Skylines on Monday, September 25, 2023. He was born on August 1, 1927, at his family’s farm in Winthrop, Minnesota. He is the son of Levi and Mae (Miller) Messner. He received his education at country schools. After schooling, Donald helped on the family farm. He was baptized on June 9, 1949, at the Winthrop Apostolic Christian Church. He was drafted and served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953 during the Korean War. He was a medic and was stationed in Salzburg, Austria.

A Valentine Groom, Donald, was united in marriage to Viola Mae Schmidt on February 14, 1954, at the Winthrop Apostolic Christian Church. After he was married, he farmed, worked for Kraft Foods, and Butler Builders. June of 1981, Viola and he moved to Edwards, Illinois as caretakers for the Apostolic Christian Fellowship Hall for 17 ½ years. Employment also included working for DA Hoerr and Sons in Peoria. He retired on April 15, 2011. Donald and Viola moved to the Apostolic Christian Skylines on March 18, 2015, in Peoria. They shared 66 years of marriage together. Donald was known for his dependability of working hard while having a happy-go-lucky spirit, always smiling. He loved making popcorn, sharing his jokes, and enjoyed doing word searches. He cherished spending time with his family and friends and loved helping everyone. Donald was an active member of the Apostolic Christian Church.

Surviving are five children - Philip (Sandi) Messner of Hutchinson MN, Mary (Mark) Rosenak of Pekin IL, Paul (Jan) Messner of Winthrop MN, Ruth (Keith) Herrmann of Williamsfield IL, Carol (Ron) Christ of Edwards IL.

Seven grandchildren -Brandon (Muang) Plattner of Dunlap IL, Dustin Plattner of Sierra Madre CA, Ashley (Mike) Husar of Colorado Springs CO, Amber (Jon) Robertson of Clarkston MI, Landon (Alyssa) Messner of Lake Elmo MN, Leighton (Janaye) Messner of Winthrop MN, Lauryn Messner of Mankato MN; two step-grandchildren - Mark Rosenak Jr of Bartonville IL, Lindsay (Joe) Fenwick of Mapleton IL.

Nine greatgrandchildren – Gavin, Ella, Reggie Messner of Lake Elmo MN; Graham Messner of Winthrop MN; Viola, Baby (November) Husar of Colorado Springs CO; Henry, Louis, Mae Robertson of Clarkston MI; five step-greatgrandchildren – Mark III, Gracie Rosenak of Bartonville IL; Charlie, Conner, Cooper Fenwick of Mapleton IL.

Two Brothers – Mike (Joyce) Messner of Gaylord MN; Jerry (Brenda) Messner of Hutchinson MN; Two Sisters – Idabell (late Donald) Witt of Gibbon MN; Shirley (late Lowell) Demm of Winthrop MN.

One Brother-In-Law - Lyle (Mariam) Schmidt of Hutchinson MN; Five Sisters-In-Laws - Bernadine (late Raymond) Messner of Brownton MN; Mary (late Darold) Thiem of San Marcos CA; Marjorie (Dwane) of Orlando FL; Gladys (Burgess) Gruendemann of Hutchinson MN; Dorothy (late Iven) Alsleben of Hutchinson MN.

Many nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, friends who have touched his life.

Preceded in Death his wife Viola - Parents - Levi and Mae Messner; Five Brothers - Harold (late Geraldine) Messner, Raymond (Bernadine) Messner, Harvey (late Verda), Melvin (Vernita) Messner, Marvin (late Geri) Messner, One Sister – Hazel (late Elmer) Schmidt.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church. Visitation will be from 8:45 a.m. till 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church prior to the services. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Burial will be in the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery near Edwards.

Memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian Church of Peoria or the Apostolic Christian Church of Winthrop, MN.

You may view Don’s obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com