Gene Nelson Ness, 90, of Fergus Falls

Published 11:03am Tuesday, July 5, 2011 Updated 11:03am Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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Gene Ness, died Sunday, July 3, 2011, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, surrounded by his family.

Gene was born on May 6, 1921, in Boyd, the son of Bennie and Jesse (Nelson) Ness. He grew up and attended school in Boyd graduating with the High School Class of 1939. During World War II, he served in the Coast Guard on the USS Milledgeville, a patrol frigate. The ship’s initial patrol began from the Charleston Navy Shipyard to New Foundland. Later they patrolled the coasts of Argentina, Trinidad and the port of Recife, Brazil.

He was a member of the HOT SHOTS rowing team of Curtis Bay, MD during boot camp. During his service Gene was authorized to wear ribbons for the American Theatre, European-African-Middle Eastern and Coast Guard good conduct.

Following his discharge Gene worked as an Alaskan Game Warden before returning to Minnesota. On June 18, 1953 he married Lillian Cecelia Chilson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota where they resided.

For many years he worked for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance retiring in 1986. Throughout his life, Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting fishing tackle and playing cards. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, the Elks Club and the local VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Donald; and his wife, Lillian, in January 2005.

Gene is survived by his children, Pamela Ness (Jim Myhre) of Fergus Falls, Candy Bourassa of Moorhead, Tammy (Steve) Neumann of Yankton, S.D., and Tim (Enid) Ness of Fergus Falls; six grandchildren, David Ness, Stacy Bourassa, Amy (Ryan) Renz, Matthew Bourassa, and Luke and Cole Neumann; two great-grandchildren, Alexis Bourassa and Justine Renz; as well as a sister, Phyllis Smogard of Edina, MN.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m., with prayers at 7 p.m., at the funeral home

Service: 1 p.m. Thursday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Rev. Kate Bruns

Burial: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com

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