Clayton Edward Messelt

Clayton Edward Messelt was born on August 21st, 1935 in Bejou, Minnesota to Otto Edward Messelt and Gladys Isabelle Evelyn (Wiggerson) Messelt. He was raised in Minnesota on the Messelt family farm and spent his adult life building a legacy of service, integrity, and dedication to both family and profession.

Clayton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Dakota, a foundation that led to a long and impactful career in consulting engineering. He became a Registered Professional Engineer in Minnesota and Wisconsin and served as a Project Engineer and Manager on major projects across the United States.

His professional work included engineering and management roles for the United States Postal Service, Nestlé Foods, various environmental Superfund site cleanups, numerous state and municipal infrastructure projects, and supervision of Transportation Security Administration airport screening installations. Through his work, Clayton quietly, but significantly improved communities, public facilities, and infrastructure nationwide.

Clayton proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve, assigned to a Field Hospital unit from 1958 to 1964, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service.

In 1958, Clayton married Mavis Knutt of Rock Lake, North Dakota. Together they raised three children: Jeffrey, LeAnn, and Bruce. After Mavis’ passing in 2003, Clayton found companionship and love again, marrying Jean Elizabeth Breese in 2004. They made their home in Green Valley, Arizona, where they shared their later years together.

An active outdoorsman and birder, woodworker, and square and round dancer, Clayton also served and volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, at the Green Valley White Elephant, the Pima County Sheriff Auxiliary, Desert Hills Lutheran and Valley Presbyterian churches, and neighborhood Homeowners Association.

Clayton will be remembered for his steady presence, professional excellence, and devotion to his family. His life’s work and the relationships he built along the way stand as a lasting tribute to the man he was.

Clayton was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis (1958-2003); wife, Jean (2004-2025); sisters, Carole (Egland) and Glenda (Payne); son, Jeffrey; and granddaughter, Annie.

He is remembered with love by his children, LeAnn and Bruce; stepchildren, Kathy, Sally, and Fred; grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas and Brooke, Katie, and Ellie; step grandkids, Tracy and Stefan, Cindy and Rory, Andy, Robert and Corrie, Elizabeth and Dino, Katherine and Wendell, Daniel and Julie, Warren, and Travis and Stephanie; sister, Mavis, and by the many nieces, nephews, family members, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.

A Funeral Service is planned for 11:00 am Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S, Afton, MN 55001. A Memorial Service will be held in March in Green Valley, AZ, followed by final Inurnment in the Faaberg Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rindal, MN.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials are welcome at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness or The Light Left On Foundation (in honor and memory of Annie Messelt).