Marshall Ness, died on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 unexpectedly at his home in rural Holt, MN.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN with Rev. John Golv and Pastor Jim Robberstad officiating. Burial will be in the Holt Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 5-8 on Friday, August 28, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church.

Marshall Tilfred Ness was born on January 7, 1923 to Hans T. and Emilia (Johnson) Ness in East Valley Township, Marshall County, MN. He was baptized in Mudd Lake and confirmed at the Mission Church in Holt, MN. He attended country school in rural Holt, MN. He stayed at home and farmed with his Dad and brother David. In 1955, he began working for Ranum Construction. He retired from construction in 1981.

Marshall was united in marriage to Delores Wilhelm on October 10, 1970 at the church in Holt. The newly married couple made home in Thief River Falls, MN. They then built a home in rural Holt in 1973. Marshall continued to farm. He worked out of his shop building different things for many years.

Marshall was an avid woodworker. He built furniture, shelves, cupboards, stools, beds for many of his family and friends. In his later years, his vision decreased and his woodworking slowed. He enjoyed socializing and bingo at the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls, MN. He liked to keep up on current events through the newspaper and television. Marshall loved his grandchildren and gave great bear hugs. Every birthday he jokingly found a big stick for birthday spankings. Marshall talked to his daughters every night and wished them good night. He was a member of the Eagles Club, Thief River Falls.

Marshall is survived by his wife Delores, Holt, MN, 3 children: Larry Wilhelm, Thief River Falls, MN, Donna (Dan) Sustad, Viking, MN, Judy (Michael) Frazer, Bullhead City, AZ, 9 grandchildren: Dayna (Kraig) Melvie, Viking, MN, Jennifer (Dennis) Larson, St. Paul, MN, Wendy (Andrew) Nordstrom, Waconia, MN, Dawn (Cory) Gustafson, Thief River Falls, MN, Holly (Jeremiah) Vad, Thief River Falls, MN, Michael Frazer, Bullhead City, AZ, Jennifer (Brian) Lee, Hanley Falls, MN, Blake and Bradley Sustad, Viking, MN, 13 great grandchildren: Alexis, Kasey, Kinzie Melvie; Dylan, Tyson, Kylie Gustafson; McKayla, Hailey, Courtney Hunter Vad; Chesney, McKenna, Aubrie Lee; sister Eunice Korpi, Thief River Falls, MN, and 2 nephews, Rick Korpi, Larry Korpi Thief River Falls, MN.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother David Ness.

ORGANIST: Cathy Erickson, Carmen Gustafson, Brenda Lunke,
SOLOIST: Dan Olson
SELECTIONS: Sheltered In The Arms Of God, This Is Just What Heaven Means To Me
SPECIAL MUSIC: Joel & Laura Rude "I Can Only Imagine"
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace, What A Friend
PALLBEARERS: Kraig Melvie, Cory Gustafson, Brian Lee, Jeremiah Vad, Blake Sustad, Bradley Sustad
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All of Marshalls Great Grandchildren