Michael Allen Messelt

Michael “Mike” Allen Messelt passed away on September 19, 2019 in his home after a courageous three year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and in the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Mike was born on August 15, 1946, to Cliff and Hazelle (Hegre) Messelt of Rindal, MN. He attended country school and graduated from Fertile Beltrami High School in 1964. Shortly after high school, Mike fell in love with Sheila Sannes and followed her to St. Paul, MN. They were joined in marriage on April 11, 1970. Mike and Sheila became parents to their two daughters, Jill and Molly, while living in St. Paul. Shortly after, Mike and his family moved to Fargo.

While in Fargo, Mike worked for Pam Oil, American Power and Gear and W.W. Wallwork. Mike enjoyed a 32 year career at Wallwork and retired in 2016. Mike’s professional life was connected to his passion for cars. Undoubtedly, a connection made while growing up in his dad’s family owned automotive repair shop in Rindal and followed him throughout his life.
Mike suffered a great loss in 2002 when Sheila passed away. Mike was blessed by God to find love again with Bunnie Johnson. They were joined in marriage on April 24, 2004. As Mike’s family grew so too did his devotion and commitment to all those blessed to be a part of his family.

Mike loved cars and tinkering in the garage. His interests in mechanics led him into radio controlled cars and model railroading. He enjoyed shopping at thrift stores and antique stores to find hidden treasures. Mike enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, riding motorcycles, traveling and visiting with friends and family. His great sense of humor and genuine interest in the lives of others made it easy for Mike to visit with anybody and make friends with everybody. Mike will always be known as a devout NDSU Bison fan. He was a member of Team Makers and a season ticket holder. Mike’s Bison pride was always on display.

His greatest pride was always his family and his selfless spirit always put others first. Mike was a devoted, husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law. A true patriarch, Mike’s loyalty to all his family was a hallmark of who he was and the happiness it brought to him was evident in how he lived his life. His compassion, soft heart, and deep faith touched his family and friends. Mike was always willing to offer sage advice and impart his wisdom and would not hesitate to lend a helping hand. The stories told, lives shared, and love displayed by all put a smile on his face. For Mike, the laughter from his grandkids brought him the greatest joy.

Mike’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for all of their guidance, professionalism, compassionate care and helping spirit.

Mike is survived by his wife, Bunnie; daughters, Jill (Cody) Miller and Molly (Chad) Olson; Bunnie’s children, Matt (Sandy) Johnson, Jeremy (Randi) Johnson and Megan Johnson; grandchildren, Savannah (Dominic Haugen) Miller, Ashleigh Miller, Chase Olson, Charley Olson, Riley Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Nora Johnson, and Thomas Johnson; sisters-in-law, Em Messelt, Kristi (Jeff) Larson; brothers-in-law, Grant Sannes and Mark (Pam) Anderson; father-in-law, Richard Anderson, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Messelt; parents, Cliff and Hazelle Messelt; brother, Ron Messelt; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Bernice Sannes, Marlys Anderson, and sister-in-law Signe (Skippy) DeSautel.

Please join us in honoring Mike by wearing your favorite Bison attire on Wednesday evening.