Kermit Ness

Kermit Ness, 89, of Franklin died Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Wood Dale Home in Redwood Falls. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Franklin, with inurnment to follow in the Franklin City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2016, from 5 until 8 p.m., and will continue on Wednesday, from 10 until 11 a.m., all at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.

The family requests contributions be directed to the Franklin Lions Club.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com .

Kermit Leroy Ness, the son of Louis and Clara (Bossenecker) Ness, was born April 15, 1927 in Camp Township, Renville County. He grew up on the family farm in Camp Township and received his formal education in Franklin Public School. Following his graduation in 1945, Kermit farmed in Camp Township.

On June 25, 1959, Kermit married Darlene Lund and together they raised their family and farmed in rural Franklin. Kermit was an “ambassador” of Franklin and the surrounding communities – inviting everyone he met to come and visit Franklin for Catfish Derby Days. Kermit loved people and enjoyed visiting friends and meeting for coffee or a drink. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events and activities. Kermit like to go hunting and fishing, and take scenic drives in the Minnesota River Valley.

He belonged to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church and was a member of the church council. Kermit was a charter member of the Franklin Lions Club and served as its president. He volunteered on the Franklin Fire Department and was past fire chief. Kermit was a charter member of the Mayflower Country Club and was a board member and past chairman of Fairfax Grain and Supply. He served on the Franklin School Board and the Franklin State Bank board of directors. Kermit was the Catfish Derby Days parade chairman for many years.

He is survived by his children Sean (Lynn) Ness of Buffalo, Michele (Sam) Smith of Houston, Texas, Brian (Peggy) Ness of Largo, Florida, Kelly Ness of Eagan, Jodi (Terry) Nelson of Maple Grove, and Tom Ness of Franklin; and his grandchildren Brent Ness, Craig Ness, Ewan Leask, Ingrid Leask (husband Matt Leaf), Samantha Smith, Maggie Smith, Natalie Ness, Abby Ness, Via Ness, and Jordan Nelson.

Kermit was preceded in death by his wife Darlene in 2005, and his brother Billy.

Blessed be his memory.