Donald "Don" Messerich

Donald J. “Don” Messerich, age 89 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the CentraCare Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Mitchell Bechtold officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Donald Joseph Messerich was born May 26, 1936 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Raymond and Rose (Orth) Messerich. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School and later completed power lineman school in Wadena. He was united in marriage to Arlene Fiedler on June 24, 1957 at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union, Minnesota. Don worked for Stearns Electric for 40 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement Don and Arlene enjoyed spending winters in Texas for 17 years.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Don enjoyed woodworking, cabinet making, and was Mr. Fix It for the neighborhood. He loved spending time outdoors, snowmobiling, fishing, and keeping his lawn immaculate. In his younger years, Don liked watching NASCAR races, the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and, according to Arlene, loved square dancing.

Survivors include his children, Julie (Neal) Johnson of Waite Park, Gary (Jodi) Messerich of Eagan, Debbie Messerich of St. Cloud, David Messerich of Eagan, Kevin (Lynda) Messerich of Sauk Rapids, and Randy Messerich of Alexandria; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and brother, James Messerich of Melrose.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Messerich on August 23, 2024; parents; and sister-in-law, Margaret Messerich.