Harold Ness, age 92, of Rembrandt, Iowa died Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the Longhouse Residence in Spencer, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rembrandt. Burial will be in the Little Sioux Valley Cemetery in Rembrandt. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Harold Bell Ness, the son of Adolph and Martha (Haraldson) Ness was born near Linn Grove, Iowa, on February 28, 1924.  He lived his youth and received his education in the Linn Grove and Rembrandt vicinity.  Harold was baptized and confirmed at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rembrandt.

On July 2, 1952, Harold was united in marriage to Margaret Arnts in Schaller, Iowa, and this union was blessed with six children: Lester, Ramona, Mary, Rosie, Paul, and Alice.  Harold’s lifetime was devoted to his love of farming.  Margaret died in October of 1959 and Harold was committed to keeping his family together.  On August 28, 1966 Harold married Betty McMichael in Spencer, Iowa.  Betty passed away in October of 1985.  Harold retired from farming in 1986 and moved into the town of Rembrandt in 1992.  Since 2014, Harold has made his home at Longhouse Residence in Spencer when he enjoyed the staff and they enjoyed caring for Harold.

Harold was a faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Rembrandt.  He is remembered as a quiet man of faith who was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting books and staying up to date with the current events. He also enjoyed history and having coffee and socializing with his friends.

Harold’s life will always be honored, cherished and celebrated by his family which include his children: Lester Ness of Yunnan Province, China; Ramona Waldstein of Spencer, Iowa; Mary Ward of Sugar City, Idaho; Rosie Patterson of Tallahassee, Florida; Paul Ness of Goldsboro, North Carolina; and Alice Skelton of Webb, Iowa; two step children: Steve McMichael and Martin McMichael; 11 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 14 step great grandchildren; sister, Ardyce Zinn of Storm Lake, Iowa, other extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, one granddaughter, and two sons-in-law.

Blessed be the memory of Harold Bell Ness.

 Service Information