Myrtle Fern Helen (Knutson) Meissner, died on June 24, 2017 of natural causes at the age of 91. Myrt was born on August 18, 1925 in Courtney, North Dakota to Magnus and Hilda Knutson. The family moved to Circle where she attended Circle schools and graduated in 1943. The Knutson’s farmed north of Circle where many fond memories were made with Myrt’s two siblings, Nellie and Charlie. She married Harold (Zib) Wesley Meissner on May 5, 1946, after he returned from serving in the Seabees. They lived on a farm north of Circle and had two children, Wesley and Helen. The family moved to the LeValley Ranch in 1967 and lived there and then on the Brockway farm until 2002, when she moved to Circle, after Zib passed away. Throughout her years, Myrt worked at a number of jobs in Circle. Myrt was a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary VFW #4813 since 1954. She was proud of her affiliation with the VFW and held various positions in the organization. After she retired in 1990, she read volumes of books, completed word finds, did a variety of handiwork and traveled. Myrt made baptismal towels for the First Lutheran Church for many years on which were hardanger crosses. She spent many years stuffing envelopes with the Mid Rivers crew and looked forward to it each month. Up until the end, you could still see her at many community events and watching brandings.
Myrt’s three grandchildren, Josh, Cameron and Mandy were the light of her life. Zib and she followed and supported them throughout their school years and into their adulthood. (“They could do no wrong!”).
Myrt was fondly referred to as “Grandma Myrt” (even if she wasn’t their grandma!). She was known to always have jellybeans in her pockets for her great grandkids and for her famous buttermilk pancakes, which they loved! She was very proud of her great-grand children, James, Nicole, Emma, Tate, Gunner, Mallory, Leah, and Evan. They were her pride and joy and thoroughly enjoyed being around them and watching them grow.
Myrt was very proud of her Norwegian heritage (favorite saying- Uff-Da) and showed her determination by refusing any help and still mowing her lawn and shoveling snow at 91. She was thankful for her life and all of her friends. She will be missed but will be in our hearts and memories forever.
Myrt is survived by Bim and Helen (daughter) Murphy; Sonja (daughter-in-law) Meissner; Josh (grandson) and Amanda Murphy, great-grandchildren –James, Nicole, Emma; Cameron (grandson) and Karly Meissner, great-grandchildren- Tate, Gunner, Mallory; Paul and Mandy St. Aubyn (granddaughter), great-grandchilren -Leah and Evan and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Myrt was preceded in death by (parents) Magnus and Hilda (Fredrickson) Knutson; (husband) Harold (Zib) Meissner; (son) Wesley Meissner; (sister) Nellie Voorhies; (brother) Charlie Knutson; (brother-in-law) Bill Meissner; (brother-in-law) Lantford Meissner; (brother-in-law) David Meissner
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Myrt would like donations to VFW National Home for Children at 3573 S Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Harvey & Trudy Kirkegard says
Helen and family, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Myrt was such a
sweetheart and so gentle and kind. She will be greatly missed by all. Wishing God’s
blessing upon you during this sad time.
Loretta Tousley Hodous says
To the family of Myrt: I am so sorry to read about the passing of Myrt. She worked for my mother Ruth Tousley Damrose, at the Blue Moon Cafe in Circle. Such a sweet and always pleasant lady. After my mom passed, we always sent each other Christmas cards. She would catch me up with the things happening in Circle. She will be missed. Sending special thoughts and prayers.
Sheila and Arden Schwartz says
Dear Helen and families, such great memories of your sweet mother. She was always so pleasant, gracious and the best gal who knew just what you needed at Larsons. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Arden and Sheila Schwartz
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many memories of Zip and Myrt over the years. The family of Dale & Ruth Bond
Mary Jo Lawrence says
To All of Myrt’s families: So much comes to mind – I considered Myrt my special 2nd Mom – and she knew this – we had a very deep special bond – we talked daily on the phone – she was always concerned with my well-being. So much unconditional respect and love between us. Oh my, we could reminisce’ – all the times gone by – we could talk about so much about McCone Co. – hard times and good times. It would make us feel good – we would laugh – she would say “thank you for sharing and remembering”. Myrt appreciated life no matter the crosses we each carry – she would say “life is good” – I would say “yes it is”. I am so thankful, we had our last chat the evening before she passed to the special other side – it meant so much to both of us. Helen/Sonja: Thank you for the special gift you gave to Myrt three summers ago flying her back here to Washington, D.C. The time the four of us spent together was so special and meant so much to your Mom. Myrt – I love you – I will still be talking to you – be my special Angel from the other side. Love, Mary Jo – Ms. Reiley and Ms. Daisy
Diane Shamley Ligon says
Helen and all your families,
Sorry to read about your Mom. I have fond memories of her in Circle. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Alicia Hoyt says
Myrt was a very dear and kind lady. I met her through the VFW Auxiliary at the District meetings. We always chatted and I enjoyed her company very much. She made and presented me with a framed Hardinger Cross along with the history of the cross on April 4, 1997. She will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
Jacki Poland says
To Myrt’s family, my heart is broken. I loved Myrt sooooooooooooo very much. She gave me love and encouragement 100% unconditional. She will be missed ’til I see her again in Heaven. I’m sorry for your loss, but we all have a very special Guardian Angel watching over us now.
Marilyn Krause says
Bim, Helen and family, we will be thinking of you today. Myrt was such a great person – I know you will all miss her. Love, Jim & Marilyn
Laura Dreyer Bleazard says
Helen, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember Myrt’s smile and that twinkle that was always in her eyes. She just made you want to smile with her. What wonderful memories you must have of that special lady!
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
So sorry for the loss of Myrt. She was such a sweet soft spoken woman and will be missed.