Eddie Ness

Eddie Ness, 98, formerly of Hatton, ND, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND.

Eddie was born on March 30, 1911 on the family farm, rural Hatton to Charles and Esther (Midgaarden) Ness. He attended school at Union 54. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Hatton. He lived and worked on the family farm his entire working life, except for two years when he worked at the paper mill in International Falls, MN. He moved to Mayville, ND, in 2003 and to Parkwood Place, Grand Forks, in May 2009. He was united in marriage to Oline Hjelmstad on June 20, 1935, in Grand Forks. They made their home on the family farm and had six children. Together they spent many quality times with family and neighborhood friends for their weekend entertainment. Hunting and playing baseball were a big part of his life. He played baseball until he was 50 years old and played for amateur baseball teams in the Hatton and Holmes areas, his primary position being the catcher. After he retired from farming in 1976, playing golf and going fishing became hobbies that he treasured. He especially enjoyed his fishing trips to Lake of the Woods. Watching Twins baseball was an important part of his later years. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Hatton. His wife Oline passed away on November 8, 2003. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Eddie is survived by his children Janice Sand, Fargo, ND, JoAnn (Ernie) Thompson, Lake City, MN, Leon (Sheila) Ness, Caledonia, MN, Linda Simmons, Grand Forks, Barbara (Joe) Caldwell, Sierra Vista, AZ, Susan (Alan) Olson, East Grand Forks, MN, sister-in-law Margaret Hjelmstad of Hatton, 18 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Oline, parents, son-in-law John (Jack) Sand, sisters Emma Hanson, Clara Lieberg, Mabel Gregoire, Myrtle Fillbrandt, and Ida Gilsoul, and brothers Oskar, Adolf, Silas, Roy, Clarence, and Harry.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Hatton.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Bilden Funeral Home in Hatton with a 7 p.m. prayer service.

The interment will be held at Bethany Cemetery, rural Hatton.

The Bilden Funeral Home, Hatton, is in charge of arrangements.