David Phillip Messer, 79, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on March 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome. A man of unwavering integrity, deep devotion, and quiet strength, David lived a life defined by service to his faith, family, community, state, and country.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday March 26, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1919 N 2nd St, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. David's family invites all who knew and loved him to join in honoring a life so well lived.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at Parkway Funeral Home, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

David was born on October 14, 1946, in Richardton, North Dakota, to Michael and Magdalen Messer. He grew up on the Messer family farm southeast of Richardton and graduated from high school at Assumption Abbey in 1964. From an early age, David possessed a strong work ethic and a sense of duty that would shape the rest of his life. He served in the North Dakota National Guard from 1966 to 1972, and in 1968, he joined the North Dakota Highway Patrol, beginning what would become a remarkable 33-year career in law enforcement.

On May 26, 1973, David married the love of his life, Sheila Butler, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and partnership. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Stephanie, and their son, Christopher. David and Sheila celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 26, 2023, a milestone that reflected the deep and enduring bond they shared.

Throughout his career, David earned a reputation as a strong leader who was firm but fair—a professional who carried himself with honesty and integrity in every situation. He earned his diploma in Traffic Police Administration from the Northwestern University Traffic Institute in Evanston, Illinois, in 1978 and was promoted to Sergeant in Jamestown that same year. Never one to stop growing, he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State University in 1986 and was promoted to Captain in Dickinson. When he retired in 2001, he held the distinction of being the longest-serving North Dakota Highway Patrolman, with 33 years of dedicated service.

After retirement, David and Sheila moved to Bismarck in 2002, where David kept plenty busy. He worked part-time as a Capitol Security Officer at the North Dakota Capitol, helped his brother Ben with harvest on the family farm, tended a garden in the backyard, tinkered with anything and everything in the house and garage, and, most of all, relished spending time with his grandchildren. He was a true jack of all trades who could fix just about anything and never sat idle for long. But when he relaxed in front of the TV, he loved the NCIS series, Fox News, and Oak Island. He also read every Louis L’Amour book ever written.

David was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Association of State Troopers, the American Legion, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He was also a proud owner of stock in the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

A devout man of faith, David's relationship with God began at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, where he served as an altar boy (and learned to say prayers in Latin), and was the foundation of his life. His faith guided him in all things—from the way he served his community to the way he loved his family—and he leaves behind a legacy rooted in kindness, dependability, and grace. He now rests in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Magdalen Messer; his sister, Linda Schumann; his mother-in-law, Jean Butler; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Butler.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila Messer of Bismarck; his daughter, Stephanie (Shawn) Mayfield of Rapid City, South Dakota; his son, Christopher (Kara) Messer of Dickinson; sisters, Elvera (Fred) Frank and Lil (Gene) Zimmerman, both of Bismarck; brother, Ben (Eva) Messer of Richardton; brother-in-law, Doug Schumann of Waubun, Minnesota; grandchildren Devin, Conner, Taylor, and Ashley; step-grandchildren Addison, Beauden, Vada, and Marit; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched deeply.