Mathew John Mess, JR

Mathew John Mess Jr., a proud and decorated veteran of the Army, passed away September 9, 2024, at the age of 74.

Matt, known to many as ‘Mutt,’ was born on June 17, 1950, in Breckenridge, MN, along with his triplet brothers, David and John (Jack), to Amy and Mathew Mess. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1968 and, at the age of 20, enlisted in the Army. Serving as a sniper with the 1st Cavalry Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, he achieved the rank of Specialist. His military honors include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Air Medal, and Expert (Pistol).

After his military service, Matt worked as an engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad. He married Sandra (Deal) Mess, and together had four children: Sara, Shannon, Kristina and John.

Matt was well-known for his enthusiasm for golfing, fishing, and hunting. His witty sense of humor and knack for making others laugh were trademarks of his personality. With a constant smile and a contagious laugh, he enjoyed spending time with friends, sharing jokes, cheering on the MN Vikings, and trying his luck at pull-tabs. He proudly wore his Vietnam Veteran hat as a symbol of his service.

After 30 years with the railroad, Matt retired and continued to enjoy his hobbies and socializing with friends. In 2022, he married Sandy (Gjerde) and gained a stepdaughter, Amanda, and grandchild, Gretta.

Matt is survived by his wives, Sandy (Gjerde) Mess and Sandra (Deal) Mess, his children Sara (Nate) Boyum, Shannon (Keith) Harriger, Kristina (Scott) Cirks, and John Mess, his stepdaughter Amanda Wurst (Jesse Sherman), and his grandchildren: Jackson, Vincent, and Isabel Boyum; Maxwell and William Dahms; Simone and Finn Cirks; Ezra and Isla Mess; and step-grandchildren Emelia, Jantzen, Estelle, and Hudson Harriger, and Gretta Wurst. He is also survived by his siblings, David Mess and James (Jim) McElhaney, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and friends.

Matt was predeceased by his parents, his sister Bonnie Lou, and his brothers, John (Jack) Mess and Robert (Bob) McElhaney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at David-Donehower Funeral & Cremation Service, 609 US Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. A military burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Breckenridge, MN, where Matt and his brother John (Jack) Mess will be laid to rest together. Further celebrations will take place at Casey’s Bar in Breckenridge at 2:00 p.m. and Toad Lake Store in Frazee at 5:00 p.m.

Condolences may be expressed on this tribute page or sent to "The Family of Mathew Mess", C/O DAVID-DONEHOWER Funeral Home, 609 US Hwy 10 East, Detroit Lakes, 56501.