Ole Ness (1868-1938)

NESS, PETERSON, OKLAND, WALKER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 9/10/2024 at 15:42:29

From Story City Herald October 13, 1938 (page 2)

OBITUARY OF OLE NESS

Ole Ness was born April 3, 1868, a few miles southeast of Roland. His parents were Lars Ness and Ragnild Ness, whose maiden name was Peterson Okland. When Ole was five years old his mother died, leaving him and a little girl, Berta Karina, and her husband. Mr. Lars Ness secured the services of Kristi Peterson, a sister of Ragnild, to care for the children. After a little while Kristi married Lars Ness. When Ole was about 14 years, his father died and is buried in the Roland cemetery, but no trace or record of the grave can be found.

Ole Nes was taken to the hospital in Webster City, Oct. 8, but lived until the 9th. The immediate cause of his death was uremic poisoning. Ole lived with his aunt and step-mother as long as she lived, which was 1905. He moved to Randall and owned a small house where he batched. He was never married. His work was that of a painter. As long as he was able he worked diligently and faithfully. He was noted for his exactness, thoroness and honesty.

The funeral took place from the Randall church Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., conducted by it pastor, Rev. Paulsrud. During the service a quartet consisting of Mrs. P. Pederson, Mrs. Clarence Larson, J. H. Brekken and S. M. Teigland rendered two very appropriate songs. The pallbearers were S. M. Teigland, B. A. Anderson, Ole S. Sopeland, Nomer Owenson, Orville Owenson and John Peterson. Interment was made in the Randall cemetery on Wednesday forenoon, because a niece, Mrs. Walker of Milwaukee, could not arrive until that day.

Mr. Ness leaves no near relatives, but a large number of cousins, including all the Nels Peterson Okland children, and quite a few cousins living in and around Roland.

Ole was not easy to get acquainted with, hence had few intimate friends. He was set in his ways and did not want help from anyone unless he was absolutely bound to. He did not need any help until his last sickness, which lasted only a week or so. He was considered by all who knew him as honest and dependable, but he was not always treated honestly. Many wanted him to do the work for them, and then did not pay him when he had finished. This helped to sour him, as he could not do what he wanted on account of funds which he had coming but did not get.

Present from a distance at the funeral were Martha Sheldahl, Mrs. Ed Egeland, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. O. T. Hovda, E. E. Evans, Miss Inger Winterhus, Martin Evans, Betsy Evans and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Torkelson, all of Roland; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Owenson, Mr. and Mrs. Thor Thorson and L. J. Tjernagel, all of Story City.

It must be remembered that the people of Randall helped Ole Ness as good neighbors should in his last illness, an example we should all follow.--L. J.T.