Marianne Elizabeth Ness

Marianne Elizabeth Ness, 88, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on August 26, 2020 after a 6-month challenge with leukemia. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Highland Community Church in Cokato with Pastor Dave Mitchell officiating and the interment will be held at the Dassel Community Cemetery following the service. There will be a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel and one hour prior to the service at the Highland Community Church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to go to the Highland Community Church and the Dassel Food Shelf. If you wish to attend the service, mask and social distancing are required. For those who are unable to attend the service but wish to be view the service. The service will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC3-tpx1EdpToo_LThYtTcw. Marianne Elizabeth Ness was born February 20, 1932, in the small town of Parkville, MN(near Virginia) to Jalmer and Hulda (Mursu) Johnson, the 5th of 6 siblings. She was baptized and confirmed in the Finnish Apostolic Church. She graduated as salutatorian from Mt. Iron High School in 1950. She went to Jr. College in Virginia, then graduated from Bemidji State Teachers College in 1954 with a degree in elementary education. It was at Bemidji State that Bob Ness saw her and said “This is the girl I hope to marry” and they celebrated 64 years of marriage on July 7. In the short years that followed their marriage, she was blessed with sons, Kenneth, John and Eric along with daughter Rebecca. Marianne touched the lives of so many people in every community where she made her home. She also enjoyed traveling to the Holy Land, Australia, Scandinavia, Europe and across the U.S. with Bob as she marveled at God’s creation of places and people. Marianne referred to her believer’s baptism on February 2, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Cokato as “the best day of my life.” Her intimate walk with Jesus and growing faith was seen as she taught Sunday School, VBS, led women’s Bible studies, served as a deaconess, and ministered to many in nursing homes and hospitals. Her volunteering continued into Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts and substitute teaching. God’s gift of hospitality meant that no matter the day or time, guests were always welcome for a meal, or a cup of coffee with her famous pies and treats. One of her favorite things was cooking goodies with each of her grandkids, especially at Christmas, making special favorites and traditional foods for family gatherings. She was known as Grandma, Nana, and “Gigi” to her 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who adored her, and much was the joy they brought into her life. There was nothing she loved more than to share life’s moments with her family. Her love of music and Scripture was heard throughout her days. Her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren learned many songs, poems and whimsical sayings that demonstrated her love of God and sense of humor. Marianne was proceeded in death by her parents, sister Eleanor (& husband Alfred) Lahti, brothers-in-law Claire Christensen and George Martin and son-in-law Brad Thielsen. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bob, sons Ken (Karen), Dassel , John (Sheri), Minneapolis, Eric(Julie) Ramsey, daughter Becky (Steve) Hoogenakker, St. Michael, grandchildren Stephanie and Adam Sarff, Kevin and Jennah Ness, Dan and Karla Ness, Tyler and Christa Thielsen, Anissa and Roope Reko, Kara and DJ Deeth, Caleb Ness, Luke Ness, Linnea Ness, Ben Ness. Great grandchildren, Noah, Emma, Whitney, and Jared Sarff, James, Jude, Caroline, Asher and Julia Ness, Jocelyn and Soren Thielsen. Siblings, Ed (Norine) Johnson of Alabama, Eldora Martin of Albertville, MN, Ruth Christensen of Evansville MN, Richard (Barbara) Johnson of Longview, TX.

Marianne Elizabeth Ness

February 20, 1932 - August 26, 2020