Dennis 'Denny' Larry Messersmith

Dennis 'Denny' Larry Messersmith

July 23, 1948 - Feb. 22, 2014

CAMBRIDGE, Nebraska -- Dennis "Denny" Larry Messersmith of Cambridge, Nebraska, passed away at St. John's Nursing Home in Kearney, Nebraska, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014.

He was born at Eustis, Nebraska, on July 23, 1948, to Lynn and Valeria (Crampton) Messersmith. He attended school for 12 years at Farnam Public School. After graduation, Denny attended the Denver Auto Mechanic School in Denver, Colorado, until he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He took his basic training and AIT at Fort Lewis, Washington. After completion, he served with the 3rd of 7th 199th Light Infantry Brigade from 1968 through 1970. Denny's tour ended with two Purple Hearts from wounds, a Bronze Star for heroism and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for his gallant service in Vietnam.

Being honorably discharged, he returned to the family farm north of Farman. In 1976, he sold the farm and attended Missouri Auction School at Kansas City, Missouri. In 1982, Denny received his Nebraska Real Estate Salesman's license. Denny was an auctioneer for more than 35 years and sold real estate for 27 years. Denny loved auctions and of course John Deere tractors. He loved the farm where he had his critters: dogs, cattle and horses.

From two previous marriages, five children were born: Dan, Denise, Darin, Levi and Jamie. On June 11, 2013, Denny married Margaret Doyle Dickson and became dad to two stepchildren, Maria and Chase.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his brother, Delvin.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret of Cambridge; son, Dan and wife, Tiff of North Platte, Nebraska; daughter, Denise and husband, Bob Rayburn of Brady, Nebraska; son, Darin of Lexington; son, Levi and wife, Bobbie Jo of Cozad; daughter, Jamie Messersmith of Cozad; step-daughter, Maria Dickson of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-son, Chase Dickson of Bartley, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; one sister, Nila Reitz of Cambridge; special extended family, Darin and Connie Norby and children of Farnam; along with a multitude of family and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be at the Cambridge Community Building on Feb. 26, 2014, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment will be in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell at 1 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2014.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Memorials may be left in Denny's name at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge. Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenour.com.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge is in charge of arrangements.