Albert Valentine Messer

Albert Messer died peacefully on Thursday January 16, 2025, at the age of 89.

Albert was born on February 19,1935, in Hettinger North Dakota to Katie and John Messer. He married the love of his life Dolores Gerhardt in August 1956. Leaving North Dakota, the couple settled in Anaconda in 1963 and opened Coast to Coast Hardware, which they ran until 1992.

Al strongly believed in the community of Anaconda and he quickly began his lifelong objective to do all he could for his family and Anaconda.

Al was the consummate advocate. For fifty plus years Al worked tirelessly to advance

whichever project was needed at that time. He was an active member in the Anaconda Catholic Community, Kiwanis, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, 5th Degree Honor Guard and Elks. His community involvement would take him through the Mitchell Stadium Track project, The Anaconda Chamber Red Bus, Wayne Estes Tournaments and ensuring all that needed had bicycles! During his time in Anaconda he would see many accolades come his way as well, such as Montana State Small Business Person of the Year and many other acknowledgments.

Al was a devoted family man, he and Dolores welcomed three children; Sheila, Blaine and Tim. Whether softball, baseball, football, wrestling tournaments or school accomplishments, he was there to cheer them on. He was determined to share his love of polka music with his grandchildren as well as his love for ice cream. He also maintained strong ties to his siblings attending family reunions as often as possible back in North Dakota.

Albert is survived by his children Sheila, Blaine and Janet, Tim and Liana; grandchildren Jason and Mandy, Mark and Kate, Drew and Taryn, Dane and Kayler, Caden, and Kyra, special granddaughters Nicole and Amanda; great grandchildren Layne and Sierra, Carter, Tucker,

Remy, Tyler, Laine, Rhys and Rowan. He is also survived by his siblings Larry and Diane Messer, Cornell Huff, Polly Messer, Kathy and Kenny Hueske, Eddy Messer, Eileen Messer, Alice and Howard Steiner and Bernie and Jim Staudinger and inlaws Margie and Bob Knoll, Darlene and Dennis Heider, Ed and Patty Gerhardt, Ester Gerhardt. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his parents Katie and John Messer, siblings Kasper and Veronica Messer, Joe and Tillie Messer, Mike and Irene Messer, Delores Hoff,

Clarence Messer, Norman Messer, Debbie Messer, Joanne and Ron Kopp, in-laws Burnetta and Frances Barth, Katherine and Benno Barth and Eugene Gerhardt, and Chuck Clavelot, and his good friends Gene Lutey, Loren Damschen and Leonard Hosheid.

The funeral is scheduled for Saturday January 25, 2025 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial and luncheon to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Albert’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Project Care Anaconda Food Bank or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank all the staff at New Horizons, Hospice, Diane McCarthy, and Cindy Reed for their care. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dolores and Al’s neighbors and first responders for all their help.

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