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Hanford O. Ness • 1921 - 2006
Hanford O. Ness, 84, Bowbells, died Tuesday, April 18,
2006 at Trinity Hospital, in Minot, ND from complications of
colon cancer.
Hanford O. Ness was born on October 14, 1921, on a farm near
Rival, in Portal Township, Burke County, ND, the son of Jens
and Minnie (Nelson) Ness. He was reared and educated in the Portal
area, and graduated from Portal High School.
As a young lad, he went away thrashing with his brother Lyle,
a team, and an old hayrack. He continued harvest work with neighboring
farms, until he went into the United States Army in November
of 1941. He was a trombone player in the Army band and was honorably
discharged in August of 1943.
On May 3, 1943, he was united in marriage to Alice Hagen in Plentywood,
MT. To this union three children were born Dennis, Linda, and
Wayne.
H.O. (as most knew him) began his conservation career on May
5, 1945, in Mountrail County, Stanley, ND. After three years,
he accepted a position with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS)
in Bowbells, Burke, County, ND.
The first tree planter used in Burke County was designed by H.O
and he used it to plant trees on the Gerald Bryan farm, east
of Bowbells in 1948. He also designed a sod planter, which was
constructed by Doc Stevens of Lignite, and is still used today.
In August of 1983, H.O officially retired from the SCS on a Friday,
and the following Monday, he began a career with the Soil Conservation
District (SDC). In November of 1996, H.O. was honored as the
Professional Award winner by the North Dakota Association of
Soil Conservation Districts, and was presented with a plaque
at their annual meeting in Fargo. He continued to work until
his retirement in 2002, at the age of 80. During his 57 years
of employment, Hanford contributed to more than two million tree
plantings, 1,200 stock ponds and 288 acres of waterways. In 2004,
he earned the Soil Conservation Achievement award.
He was a member of the Lions and Toastmasters, was a Scout Master
for 19 years, served on the Bowbells Park Board for 40 years,
was treasurer for the Burke-Renville chapter of the Red Cross
for 40 years. As well as being active with the American Legion
and the Masonic lodge, all of Bowbells.
Hanford and his wife were members of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
Bowbells, where together they would cut up turkeys for the fall
Lutefisk supper at the church. He also taught Sunday school and
was Secretary Treasurer of the church council for many years.
He is survived by: son, Wayne Ness, Bowbells, ND; daughter-in-law,
Thelma Ness, Bowbells, ND; son-in-law, Ed Lockwood Jr., Fargo,
ND; three grandchildren: Shane (Jodi) Lockwood, Fargo, ND; Trevor
Ness, Rochester, NY; Travis Ness, Milton, WA; three great-grandchildren:
Jesse and Jacob Ness, and Justin Gilge.
Hanford was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice, daughter,
Linda Lockwood, son Dennis Ness, and brother Lyle.
Visitation: Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 9:00 a.m.
until service time at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells,
ND.
Funeral Service: Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 10 a.m.
at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND
Burial: Bowbells Community Cemetery, Bowbells, ND
The family suggests that memorials be given to the charity
of your choice.
Officiant: Rev. Mary Strom
Music: Processional hymn "What a Friend We Have
in Jesus" #439
Ray Sayler vocalist to offer: "Amazing Grace"
Recessional hymn, "How Great Thou Art"#532
Clara Olson, organist
Honorary Bearers: Hanford's family, friends and former
co-workers
Active Bearers: Harvey Steinberger, Keith Kallberg,
Dan Folske, Brent Johnston, Lee Johnston Scott Johnston
To sign the online guest register
for Hanford
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