\"\" Middle River – Donald Duane Ness, 68, died unexpectedly at  Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls on Thursday, July 13, 2006.
  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 18, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River, with Pastor Curt Matz officiating. Casket bearers included nephews, Shannon Ostby, Tommy Ostby,   Marlin Mattson, Roy Ness, Craig Bakke, Kenny Bakke and DelRay Ness. Interment was held at Riverside Cemetery in Middle River.
 Donald Duane Ness, the son of the late Martin and Selma (Karvonen) Ness, was born January 14, 1938, in Cedar Township of Marshall County, near Middle River.  He attended rural school near his home and graduated from Middle River High School in 1955.  Donnie was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Middle River and was a life-long member there.
 On February 9, 1957, he was united in marriage to Arlene Bakke at Viking. They resided in Thief River Falls for a short time prior to moving to Middle River where they have since made their home. He was employed at a turkey farm near Thief River Falls and later by various construction companies, including Sandseieel, Schenkey, and Thygeson. He was a 30-year member of the Middle River Fire Dept., serving as truck captain and hose captain.
 He enjoyed spending time doing mechanics and cutting wood, driving around with the many grandchildren and daycare children looking for deer and teaching them to drive. 
 He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Arlene;  two sons, Mike of Middle River and Randy (Debbie), of Crookston;  two daughters,  Debbie (Danny) Lorenson of Wannaska and Diane (Darren) Wagner of Holt; 11 grandchildren;  three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Richard (Gloria) of Viking;  Roger (Linda) of Maplewood; and Arnold (Renae) and Ervin (Mary), both of Middle River; two sisters, Betty Ostby of Grygla and Deloris (Harf) Wiskow of Strathcona;  in addition to several nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
 Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, one son in infancy, and three brothers-in-law.
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