Gothenburg - Lynn Messersmith, 95, of Gothenburg, formerly Farnam, died Dec. 31, 2004, at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.

He was born Dec. 26, 1909, approximately six miles east of Stockville, to George Washington and Lizzie Castor Messersmith. One of six children, Lynn was born in the family farmhouse on that very cold December morning. The doctor came from Farnam in a horse-drawn buggy, but by the time he got there, Lynn had already been born.

On June 11, 1933, he married Valeria Crampton northwest of Farnam. To this union, three children were born, Delvin, Nila, and Dennis. Most of Lynn's life was spent farming until the early 1970s when he retired and moved into Farnam. During his life, he saw many changes in the farming industry, from a team of horses to the technology of modern day.

Mr. Messersmith was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Farnam for approximately 30 years and also a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Farnam. Laughter came easily for Lynn. He was always teasing someone, laughing, and having fun. If he were here today, he would probably tease each and everyone of you. He always enjoyed animals, especially horses. He loved children. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to him. His greatest enjoyment came from time spent with them. Lynn also loved to play four-point pitch.

Survivors include his wife, Valeria of Gothenburg; a daughter-in-law, Becky Messersmith of Gothenburg; a daughter, Nila (John) Reitz of Fort Pierce, Fla.; a son, Dennis (Margaret) Messersmith of Cambridge; a sister, Alta Tumbleson of Superior; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives, too numerous to mention.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters and a son, Delvin.

Memorials are suggested to the Farnam Senior Center.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg with the Rev. Larry Viter officiating. Burial will be in the Farnam Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.

North Platte Telegraph, 2 Jan 2005