Herbert Robert Messman

Herbert R. Messman, 83, of Medford, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the Colonial Center in Colby while under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 26, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. David Spaude officiating.  The service will be livestreamed on the church YouTube channel youtube.com/@ILS54451?si=ktHENFqFZdkaSQDf  and then click "live".

At the family’s request, please attend the funeral in casual attire, as that is what Herbert would want.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery II, Medford.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Friday at the church.  A meal and fellowship will follow the burial.

Herbert was born June 13, 1940 at home in the town of Medford to Robert and Marion (Howard) Messman. Herbert received his diploma in 1956 from Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School.

On December 26, 1959, he married Evelyn Walworth at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Parsonage in Medford.  They resided in Medford where Herbert worked first at the scrapyard in Medford, then worked as a security guard for the Medford Millwork Factory before purchasing land in the town of Medford where he and Evelyn farmed.  While farming, and raising 5 children, he also managed the Jentzsch Mink Ranch for many years until health issues prevented him from continuing any longer.

Herbert did not let any health issues slow him down.  He maintained a huge vegetable garden, selling his products at the local farmer’s market.  He also made many bird houses and bird feeders; enjoyed pan fishing; and for his whole life loved dancing. 

Despite any challenges, Herbert found great stability in Christ.  He spent much of his time enjoying the woods, waters and wildlife of the Chequamegon National Forest.  Nature is where he found inner peace and connected to God.  Whether walking a trail or blazing a new path, he appreciated the beauty of God’s creation.  Herbert had two tattoos on his left arm, one was his name “Herbie” in all caps, the other was two circles with an anchor inside.  Herbert’s “spiritual anchor” was Jesus and his faith was what grounded him and allowed him to cope with life’s rough waters.  Hebrews 6:19 lets us know that our hope is sure and steadfast as a well placed, secure and unbending anchor.  Our anchor is not located in the deepest sea, but in the Highest Heaven.  And even though Herbert was a man of few words, he led his family in faith by his living example.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Evelyn of Medford; five children, Robert (Kathy) Messman, James (Lori) Messman, all of Medford; Mark (Philicity) Messman of Burtrum, MN; Pam (Mitchell) Voelker of Marshfield, Kim (Brandt) Gaugler of Beach, ND; siblings, Ardith Hendrickson of Marshfield, Galen (Lois) Messman of Medford; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Howard (Evelyn) Messman; and brother-in-law, Donald Hendrickson.

 Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

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