Jerome P. Messer

Jerome P. Messer, 70, Moses Lake resident passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family and close friends.

Jerome was born on March 7, 1942 in Morton County, North Dakota.

He was the eldest son of 14 children, born to Paul & Mary Messer.

After attending high school in Glen Ullin, ND, Jerome joined the Air Force, specializing in helicopter mechanics.

He met the love of his life, Lucille Doll at a small town dance and married soon after in 1961. The couple had three children, Kelly P. Messer, Kathy M. Messer-Erickson and the late Kirby J. Messer.

They moved to Seattle, WA in 1967 and then to Moses Lake in 1972, where they made their home and raised their family.

Jerome made his living as a Union Sheet Metal Worker, and had a reputation as "being one of the best welders in the Northwest."

He was known by many as "Jerry" and was a man of many talents and passions and was meticulous in everything he did. His number one passion was his family and he loved having his grandchildren close at his heels, teaching them about everyday things and having an appreciation for the outdoors.

His greatest pleasure was raising animals, especially Foundation Leopard Appaloosa horses and farming with the help of his wife and eldest son, whom he often said was his best friend. He enjoyed big game hunting and fishing, camping with family and friends and gold panning with his two best buddies. Riding motorcycles with his sons was another love and a highlight was a ride he took to Sturgis, South Dakota at the age of 67 with his eldest son and grandson. His sense of humor and orneriness will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lucille Messer, son Kelly P. Messer (Pennie) of Moses Lake, daughter Kathy M. Messer-Erickson, of Moses Lake, daughter-in-law Lori Messer, of Moses Lake and father, Paul Messer. Grandchildren, Cassandra Skala, Caleb Gonzales, Kasimier Messer (Kayla), Braden Messer, Colton Messer, and Hunter Messer. Great grandchildren, Julien, Izabella, CaDenn.

He is preceded in death by his son, Kirby Messer, great granddaughter Gracelynn Messer, mother Mary Messer, brother Joseph K. Messer and sister Helen Kohler.

The family would like to acknowledge special thanks to family and friends for their support through this difficult time. Also a very special thanks to Hospice and the Neptune Society for the loving care they gave to Jerome.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to MDS Research Center or Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, in Moses Lake on Friday October 26. Honor Guard at 10:00 am, Rosary at 10:30 am, Mass at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the CCD Center.