Dennis (Denny) Larry Messersmith of Cambridge, Nebraska passed away at the St. John’s Nursing Home in Kearney, NE on Saturday February 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 Ft. Lewis, Washington. After completion, he served with the 3rd of 7th 199th light infantry brigade from 1968 through 1970. Denny’s tour ended with 2 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 over 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, 5 children were born: Dan, Denise, Darin, Levi and Jamie. On June 11, 2003, Denny married Margaret Doyle Dickson and became dad to 2 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, NE; daughter: Denise and husband Bob Rayburn of Brady, NE; son: Darin of Lexington; son: Levi and wife Bobbie Jo of Cozad; daughter: Jamie Messersmith of Cozad; step-daughter: Maria Dickson of Lincoln, NE; step-son Chase Dickson of Bartley, NE; 7 grandchildren; 1 sister: Nila Reitz of Cambridge, NE; 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 held at the Cambridge Community Building on February 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM with Pastor Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell at 1:00 PM on February 26, 2014. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 from 9:00 AM till 7:00 PM. Memorials may be left in Denny’s name at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary, 24 Feb 2014