Katherine Messmer, 90, of Rochester, died peacefully Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Golden Living East.  Katherine was born November 28, 1922 in Mott, North Dakota to Michael and Margaret Klein.

She married Leonard Messmer on May 26, 1947 in Regent, North Dakota in a double wedding with her sister Emma.  They farmed in Regent before moving to Rochester in 1953.  Katherine was employed by Olmsted Community Hospital in Housekeeping as well as an active member of the Hospital Auxiliary for many years.

Katherine enjoyed cooking, baking, bowling, playing cards, bingo, tending to her flower gardens, attending services with the morning church group at Resurrection Church, and entertaining family and friends.  She loved family gatherings and especially the time she spent with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed many trips with Leonard to Branson, North Dakota, Montana, and Washington to visit family and friends.

Katherine is survived by two sons, James (Marlene) Messmer, Joel (Shari) Messmer of Rochester; a daughter Janise (Kevin) Serwa of Eden Prairie, MN; two daughter-in-laws, Marilyn Messmer of Rochester, and Karen Messmer of Oronoco; nine grandchildren, Brandon, Nathan, Rochelle, Christina, Deanna, Ryan, Cortney, Michael and Mackenzie; six great-grandchildren, Elysia, Luke, Ethan, Aubrie, Ayden and Bergen; siblings, Cecil Fritsch, Joe (Lois) Klein of Rochester, Emma Friedt of Mott, North Dakota, Ray (Shirley) Klein of Sequim, Washington, and Margaret (Matt) Helfrich of Billings, Montana.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leonard; two sons, Jareth and Jerald; and eight siblings.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00PM on Monday, September 2, 2013 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens.

The family requests memorial gifts be designated to Stroke Research at Mayo Clinic or the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com