Kermit Ness

Kermit Bernell “Bernie” Ness, 79, Pillager, passed away April 23, 2017, at his home.

A memorial service celebrating Bernie’s life will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Lord of Life Church, Baxter. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. 

Arrangements are with the Halvorson Johnson Funeral Home, Brainerd.

Bernie was born March 31, 1938 in Clitherall Township, Ottertail County, Minnesota to Alvin and Ella Ness. He was baptized and confirmed at Trefoldighed Lutheran Church. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm, attended country school in the District of Clitherall, later attending Battle Lake High School. He joined the U.S. Army on July 16, 1958 where he served in the Chemical Corp., completing his military service as a member of the Army Rangers. He  married Anne K. O’Bannon on October 6, 1962.  After returning home from the service Bernie started a fertilizer plant for Standard Oil, in southern Minnesota; then moved north and  started an alfalfa pelleting plant, before moving to central Minnesota where he worked at Larson Boat Works and as a heavy equipment operator; after retirement Bernie became a motorcoach driver. He enjoyed Arabian horses, German Shepherd dogs, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, of 52 years; one son, Lynn Allen (Kiri); one granddaughter, Rachel Anne, along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willard, Eldred, Kenneth and one sister Bernice Starin.

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