Raymond Henry Messner

Funeral services for Raymond Messner, 90 of Hancock, MN will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Hancock, with Reverend Julius Miller officiating. Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock with military honors by the Morris American Legion, V.F.W and AmVets and the Minnesota State Honor Guard.

Raymond H. Messner, lovingly known as Ray, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on July 21, 2026. Born on September 2, 1935, at the hospital in Morris, Minnesota, Ray was the son of Raymond and Alice (Halvorson) Messner. He was raised in rural Stevens County, attending District 23 Country School before graduating from Hancock High School.

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from December 5, 1957, until April 1960. While serving, he married the love of his life, June Aaberg, on March 22, 1958. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming, sharing 68 wonderful years of marriage and raising three children: Allen, Laurie, and Robert.

Following his military service, Ray returned home to take over the family farm, where he devoted his life to farming until his retirement. Even after retiring from farming, Ray remained active in the community and the Morris American Legion. He worked at Spencer Triangle Cabinet Shop, transported vehicles for Heartland Motor Company, drove for Hancock Feed & Seed and jumped at any opportunity to drive tractor or truck for the Greiner brothers.

More than anything, Ray cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was an exceptionally proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and never missed an opportunity to brag about his family. His greatest joy was watching his family grow through the years and celebrating the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ray was a devout member of the First Congregational Church of Hancock until the date of its closing. During that time, he held many positions in the church and developed very close relationships with fellow members. When Congo closed, Ray and June then joined Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Hancock where he belonged until his passing.

When he wasn't spending time with June or surrounded by family, Ray could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee at By-Lo, playing cards at Hancock Co-op and Morris Senior Center, attending many high school sporting events, pitching horseshoes, bowling, attending area races and threshing shows, or visiting one of his favorite local restaurants. Ray also had a love of hunting, which is a pastime he shared with his kids and grandkids, and even when it wasn’t possible for him to come along, he enjoyed taking part in all the storytelling by his family as they continued feeding his passion. His warm smile, friendly conversation, and genuine interest in others made him a familiar and welcome presence wherever he went.

Ray is lovingly survived by his wife, June (Aaberg) Messner; his children: Allen (Lisa) Messner of Fargo, North Dakota; Laurie (Ricky) Notsch of Chokio, Minnesota; and Robert (Shelley) Messner of Hancock, Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sarah (Brad) Amundson, Amy Messner, Kayla Klein, Cole (Shelby) Klein, Jenelle Klein, Matthew (Jayne) Notsch, Lisa Notsch, Philip (Brittany) Messner, Andrew (Tori) Messner and Katelyn (Masyn) Elvebak; 15 cherished great-grandchildren; sister-in-law: Delores Aaberg of Glenwood; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alice (Halvorson) Messner; his grandparents; his sister, Jeanette (Messner) Koehntop, two infant sisters, and several brothers/sisters-in-law.

Ray will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his devotion to his family, his love of farming, and his gift for making everyone feel like a friend. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless memories they will forever treasure.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Ray.