Maureen Fay (Rothmann) Messer, 72, passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side on August 2, 2026.

Maureen was born on November 15, 1953, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Gordon and Gladys (Goehring) Rothmann. She was raised in Washburn with her two sisters and graduated from Washburn High School in 1971. She married Leland “Lee” Messer on August 25, 1973. They were married 47 years and together they had two children, Jenifer and David. They lived in Bismarck for a short time before moving to Lee’s family farm in Richardton. In 1984, they moved to Dickinson, where they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Maureen attended Dickinson State College where she received an associate degree in nursing, and MedCenter One for paramedic training. While living in Dickinson she dedicated her career to healthcare, working at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Health Center as an emergency room nurse, a paramedic with the Dickinson Ambulance Service, and a nurse at St. Benedict’s Health Center.

In her free time, Maureen enjoyed antiquing, sewing, needlepoint, ceramics, and puzzles. She adored Christmas and had an extensive collection of ornaments. Above all else, she loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they were her pride and joy.

Maureen is survived by her daughter, Jen (Andrew) Werder; son, David; grandchildren, Michael and Justin Moore, and Jenica "Grace", Laeken, and Waverly Werder; great-grandchildren, Greyson Werder and Jackson Moore; sisters Rosalind (Leif) Ravnaas, and Glenda Scholl; sisters-in-law, Elaine (Dwight) Schank and Margaret Messer; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lee, parents Gordon and Gladys; stepfather Anton Freidig; her parents-in-law, Frank and Theresa Messer; and brother-in-law, Steven Scholl. 

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10th at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 East Century Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58503

Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, August 10th at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.