Frank Mosser

Bergen

Frank Mosser, 96, Bergen, ND, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.

Frank G. Mosser was born September 23, 1927, the oldest of three sons to Frank and Margaret (Emmel) Mosser, in Ambrose, North Dakota. He was raised and educated in Fortuna through the 8th grade and then attained his GED while in the service.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. He married Ione Mabel Mantei on April 7, 1953. They began their life together at Warren AFB, Cheyenne, WY, where their first child was born. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1955, they returned to the Fortuna area to pursue Frank’s love of farming. He also spent as much time as possible making music with his brother, Jim; they had a 3-man band (Frank on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jim on accordion and vocals, and a neighbor friend on bass guitar) that was highly sought after for wedding dances, lodge events, etc.

After they were blessed with their second, third, fourth, and fifth child, with the sixth on the way, they decided to look for a larger farming/dairy operation. That search resulted in a move to a farm east of Bergen, ND in 1964. The only downside to this was that he was no longer able to play in the band with his brother, Jim.

Even with the birth of their seventh, eighth, and ninth child, Frank and Ione always found time to play with their children and introduce them to the world around them through travel to the surrounding states and Canada.

The dairy operation was expanded in 1973 to accommodate the growing family and continued until 1992, when they retired from farming and the dairy. Ione passed away March 23, 2005, and at this time, Frank found it necessary to teach himself how to cook!

Even after retiring, Frank found plenty to keep him busy as he was a good mechanic, and also assisted area farmers. He was always willing to lend a hand with his daughter and son-in-law’s farming operation, and enjoyed spending time in the shop with his son, Joe.

After retirement, Frank was able to resume playing in a band, this time with his daughter, Teresa, singing with him, and a neighbor playing accordion. They played many lodge events, Senior Centers, and Nursing Homes.

He was a talented musician, never having any formal training; he played everything by ear. He and Ione passed this love on to their children, and whatever parish they belonged to, the family constituted the choir and organist. His Catholic faith was central to his life; he converted a bedroom into his “chapel” and spent many hours there, reading and praying for his family and the world. We have all been the recipient of many graces due to his fidelity to prayer and the daily Rosary. He was a simple, faithful man, and a great example for us all. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Karlsruhe.

His loving family includes: sons, Kenneth (Tammy) Mosser, Dale Mosser, Joseph Mosser, Jonathan (Kimberly) Mosser; daughters, Kathryn Gewont, Mary (Gary) Hillerud, LouAnne (Greg) Schell, Teresa (Daniel) Boehm, Angela (Larry) Berger; 26 grandchildren and their 10 spouses; 28 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret; wife, Ione; brothers, James and Dennis; sister-in-law, Nancy Mosser; son-in-law, Gary Gewont; granddaughter, Rachel Hillerud.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe.

Interment: Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Karlsruhe, ND.

Visitation: Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe.

Vigil Prayer Service: Friday at 7 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe.

Memorials: are preferred to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe, Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Karlsruhe, or Souris Valley Care Center, Velva.

The service will be video recorded and available for the public to view on Monday, December 11. The video can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 5, 2023.