Margaret Messerich

Margaret K. Messerich, age 78 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. A family inurnment will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Margaret Katherine Unger was born April 5, 1941 in Sauk Centre to Leo and Louise (Didier) Unger. She was the youngest of fourteen brothers and sisters in the Unger family. Margaret graduated from Sauk Centre High School in the Spring of 1959 and was united in marriage to James “Jim” Messerich on November 21, 1959 at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. Margaret and Jim made their home in Melrose and together raised their family of five children.  Always alongside her husband, Margaret created an environment for a good family life. She was known by the nickname “Honey” in her family and with friends - everyone always commented on her sweet, gentle soul.  She enjoyed fishing for walleyes during ice fishing season and pan fish the rest of the year.  Margaret was known for her special hand-crafted fabric covered hangers.  She was always ready to share them with her family and friends.  One of her favorite past times was stopping at garage sales and looking for that special treasure.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Minnesota.

Margaret will be deeply missed by her husband of nearly 60 years, Jim Messerich of Melrose; five children, Cindi (Pete) Hogerton of White Bear Lake, Ray Messerich of Sauk Rapids, Jim (Linda) Messerich of St. Cloud, Bonnie (Marc) Anderson of Alexandria, and Brian (Christy) Messerich of Sandy, UT; grandchildren, Chris Messerich, Eric Messerich, Sam Hogerton, Amy Hogerton Stading, Megan Huber, Jamie Anderson, and David Anderson; four great grandchildren, Cole, Claire, Leo and Peter;  5 brother and sisters, Betty Campbell, Mary Ann Bentler, Robert Unger, Lorraine Morgan, and Irene Drehsen

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Louise Unger; brothers and sisters, Richard Unger, Jerome Unger, William "Bill" Unger, Leo Unger, Francis Unger, Alexia "Lexi" Sanders, Jane Lull, and infant sister, Rita.