Russell Arvid Ness, age 78, of Blooming Prairie, formerly of Lansing, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie.

He was born July 15, 1925 in Pocahontas County, Iowa. Russell was the son of Ingvald and Alma Forsberg Ness. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Linn Grove, Iowa. He graduated from Linn Grove High School in 1943 and farmed in the Peterson – Linn Grove area during his early years until he moved to Minnesota where he worked on construction at the Hormel plant in Austin. Later he worked inside the plant until he was laid off during the building of the new plant. Russell made his home in Lansing until he had heart surgery at St. Marys in Rochester in 1996. He spent his last few years living with his brother Dwayne in Des Moines. In November of 2002 Russell entered Prairie Manor Nursing Home where he resided until his death.

Russell had a deep love of his family. He also enjoyed the outdoors and was a hunter, fisherman and golfer. His favorite pastime was visiting with friends and acquaintances over coffee. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Russell is survived by three brothers: Dwayne Ness of Veterans Home, Marshalltown, Iowa, Carmen Ness of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Larry Ness of Albert Lea; one sister, Evelyn Bollinger of Iowa City, Iowa; 10 nieces and nephews; and 16 great-nieces and -nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5, at Prairie Manor Chapel in Blooming Prairie. Friends may call one half hour before the service at Prairie Manor. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family prefers memorials to Prairie Manor Nursing Home or to the American Cancer Society.