Leonard A. Messmer, 84, of Rochester died on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Golden Living West. Leonard was born on April 28, 1927 in Mott North Dakota to John and Helen Messmer. After finishing high school, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force where he served as a Sergeant during WWII. He married Katherine Klein on May 26, 1947 in Regent, North Dakota. They farmed in Regent and moved to Rochester in 1953. Leonard worked in maintenance at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He then was employed as a carpenter and locksmith for St. Mary's Hospital and retired in 1989 after over 22 years of service.

Leonard was a big-hearted man who was always willing to help friends and family with any building projects or repairs. He loved family gatherings, and especially cherished the time he got to spend with his grandchildren. He enjoyed Polka music and for many years played the drums for the Happy-Go-Lucky Band which included his brother-in-laws. He liked playing cards, bingo, going bowling and golfing, and spending time with his neighborhood friends at Meadowbrook Townhomes and recently with the residents and staff at Golding Living West, where he lived and cared for his wife Kate.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife Katherine of Rochester, three sons, James (Marlene) Messmer, Jareth (Marilyn) Messmer, Joel (Shari) Messmer all of Rochester, a daughter Janise (Kevin) Serwa of Eden Prairie, MN, a Daughter-in-law 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,  a brother, Ralph (Eleanor) Messmer of Mott, ND, sisters Lillian Friedt and Lorraine Klein both of Rochester, Diane Gladowski of Sidney, Montana, and Pam Messmer of Sugar Tree Tennessee.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ervin, and a son, Jerald.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Shawn Haremza and Father Donald J. Schmitz officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 8:00PM on Monday October, 10, 2011 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by American Legion Post 92 of Rochester.

Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Hospice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com