Funeral services for Ralph Messler of Beresford will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2008 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Wass Funeral Home with the family present from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Ralph T. Messler was born in Beresford, South Dakota June 28, 1926 the son of Erick and Ebba (Erickson) Messler. He died June 10, 2008 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls , SD at the age of 81 years, 11 months and 12 days. Ralph attended Newdale School and graduated from Beresford High School before going to Coyne Electric School in Chicago, Ill. He worked for his father in Alsen, SD with his brother, Ray. On March 9, 1949 Ralph married Patricia Swanson in Beresford. He and his brother, Roger, started Messler Bros. Plumbing and Heating in 1951. Ralph retired in 1990. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge. Ralph was an honest man, a hard worker who loved his family and had a great sense of humor. He especially loved camping, fishing and taking the scenic route. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; five children, Ruth (Larry) OConnor of Beresford, Susan Lessman of Sioux City, IA, Daniel Messler and David Messler both of Los Angeles, CA, and Kristi (Barry) Meltzer of San Jose, CA; seven grandchildren, Jason, Stacey, Sean, Erin, Carrie, Ryan and Liziane; three step-grandchildren, Eli, Gregory and Skye; four great-grandchildren, Sydney, Seth, Autumn and Kory; three step-great-grandchildren, Israel, Yalin and Marilyn. Also surviving Ralph is one brother, Roger (Marilyn) Messler; one sister-in-law, Avis Messler and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, Erick and Ebba Messler; brother, Raymond Messler; daughter, Karin Louise Messler; and granddaughter, Jennifer St. Pierre preceded him in death.