Kenneth H. Ness

Kenneth H. Ness, 85, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at PioneerCare.

Our dad was born on May 18, 1930 in Mayville, North Dakota, to Walter and Regina (Groven) Ness. Dad farmed with his father outside Galesburg, North Dakota, where he learned his appreciation for the land and his love of hunting and fishing. He attended a small country school in Galesburg, North Dakota. Before the age of 10, Dad drove the grain truck, which his father rigged up to fit his small frame. He drove back and forth from the fields to the local elevator. He always had fond memories and good stories of his younger years, living on the family farm and working the land alongside his dad.

As a child, Dad taught himself how to play the piano and accordion. He could never read a note of music, but could play any tune he heard. At the age of 14, Dad joined Tony’s Swing Band. For over 10 years, Dad played with the band at community dances, barn dances and just about any place people wanted to have a good time and dance.

On January 9th, 1952, Dad married his childhood friend, Lyla Jean Thorstad in Fargo, North Dakota. During the holidays, Dad, Mom and our grandparents would discuss our Christmas gifts in fluent Norwegian, leaving us kids wondering what would be under the tree. In 1955, they moved off the family farm to Fargo, where Dad started his long career with the Red Owl Grocery Store. His first position was a stock boy. In 1960, the family moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, where Dad accepted the position as assistant manager at Red Owl. In the spring of 1969, he was transferred to the Red Owl store in Fergus Falls, Minnesota where he was promoted to store manager. Dad left Red Owl in 1982 and began working at Service Food where he remained, until his retirement in 2013.

Our Dad taught us how to love the outdoors. He taught us how to fish and hunt. We grew up camping, hiking and enjoying many good camp fires. He loved working and tinkering in the garage, with his many tools. We learned how to change oil on our cars and how to change a flat tire. He never passed up a good game of cards or an opportunity to play his accordion.

The most important thing in Dad’s life was his family. Mom was the love of his life and we were his pride and joy. You taught us well, Dad, and we are all better people because of you.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Regina Ness; and an infant brother.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years, Lyla; his four children, Randy (Sue) Ness of Hawley, Minnesota, Pam Ness, Jacqueline (Raymond) Ness-Ludwig and Anna (Melody Webb) Ness all of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren, Mia Tamika Ness, Judson and Lucas Ness-Allen and Margaret and William Ness-Ludwig; siblings, Winnie (Larry) Rosenberg of Idaho and Janice (Mike) Gremp of California; and also numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at the church
Service: 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Officiant: Reverend Tom Peterson and Reverend Amy Swenson
Burial: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Fergus Falls
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls