Betty Lou Messer

Betty Lou Messer, 80, of Red Wing, died Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Red Wing Health Center. She was born to Harm and Helen Van Hovel in Winnebago, Minn. on June 6, 1933. She grew up on her family farm and attended Winnebago High School. After graduation she went on to the Minneapolis Business College. She met her husband, Maurice Messer though mutual friends in Fairmount, Minn. The couple was married on December 15, 1953. They farmed near Winnebago before moving to Red Wing in 1961. Betty worked as a legal and administrative secretary for many different organizations, including Holst, Vogel, Erdmann and Vogel, 3M and for members of the state senate. She was a member of the Christian Women's Club. Betty loved to ride horses, to travel and to knit. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed discussing politics. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and three grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her husband of more than 60 years, Maurice; two sons, Michael (Susan) and John (fiancé Becky) Messer; three grandchildren, Emily Messer, Allison (Patrick) Wilker and David (Katherine) Messer as well as many nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and three siblings.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Red Wing Health Center for all their years of devoted care. Memorials are preferred in Betty's name to the Red Wing Health Center.
A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.