Harvey Ness, 96, died on Monday, March 14, 2011 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Wesley Langaas officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, March 18, 2011 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday at the church.

Harvey Leonard Ness was born October 30, 1914 in Minnie Township, Beltrami County, MN the son of Sam and Louise (Knutson) Ness. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN. He attended country school through the eighth grade. Harvey worked on the family farm and at the age of 14 he started working in the harvest fields in North Dakota. During the winters, Harvey worked in the logging camps.

In 1938-1939, Harvey worked in the CCC Camps and started farming. In 1942 he entered into service with the United States Army. He was assigned to the 703rd Tank Destroyer Battalion Company A, which was part of the 3rd Armored Division which was the Spearhead Division. Harvey was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945 and was proud of his service throughout his life. Following his discharge he returned to Minnie Township and continued farming with his brother, Clifford. Harvey enjoyed attending the 3rd Armored Division reunions throughout the years.

On November 10, 1956, Harvey married Fay Minnie Bucholz (Rude). To this union one child was born, Julie. Together with Fays children, Richard, LuAnn, Laurel and David, they made their home in Minnie Township. Harvey continued to farm and work with Holthusen Construction. In 1968 they moved to Thief River Falls where Harvey worked at Arctic Cat in maintenance. On November 10, 2006 they celebrated 50 years of marriage. Fay died in 2007 and Harvey moved to Valley Home where he enjoyed visiting with the staff and residents, playing cards and Wii bowling. Family was very important to Harvey and he always made a special point to remember everyones birthday.

Following his retirement, Harvey enjoyed welding, fixing things, gardening, and helping others with their projects. If you needed anything heavy duty fixed, just bring it to Harvey. He would Harvetize it! Harvey was a member of Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Harvey and Fay enjoyed traveling.

Harvey is survived by 5 children, Julie (Les) Trandem, Richard W. Rude, LuAnn (Duane) Lusignan, Laurel (Steven) Swanson, David (Jade) Rude all of Thief River Falls, MN; 11 grandchildren: Jill (Brad) Buck, Tracy (Joel) Hallstrom, Jay (Molly) Lusignan, Michael Swanson, Michelle (Brian) Benitt, Jeremy (Tara) Swanson, Rachel Rude, Jennifer (Dan) Berggren, Jordan, Zachary and Lauren Bauer; 12 great grandchildren: Samatha and Emily Buck, Chase and Cali Lusignan, Gabrielle and Jesse Hallstrom, Jacob and Kayli Swanson, Megan, Eryn and Keegan Benitt, and Liviana Swanson; sister, Dorothy Renfer of Cygnet, OH; sisters-in-law, Florence Ness and Dorothy Ness;nieces and nephew, Dale Sharon Jettinghoff, Wayne Ness and Linda Bailey, all of Delphos, OH.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Fay; parents; great grandson, Grady Benitt; brothers, Selmer and Clifford; brother-in-law, Charles Renfer; nephew, Donald Butch Ness.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Eunice Grothe
SOLOIST: Lois Anderson
SELECTIONS: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus & Amazing Grace
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: In The Garden #398, Softly And Tenderly #266 & Almighty Father Strong To Save #2 vs. 1 & 4
PALLBEARERS: Harveys Grandsons
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Harveys Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
MILITARY HONORS: Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117 & Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post #2793