Rodney "Rod" Ness

Rodney Tharen Ness, 83, passed away at Benedictine Living Community in LaMoure, North Dakota, on October 18, 2026.

Born on May 14, 1943, in Berlin, North Dakota, Rodney was the youngest of three children born to Martin and Rubye (Baird) Ness. He grew up on the family farm near Edgeley, where he also attended school and graduated from Edgeley High School in 1961.

In high school, Rodney met the love of his life, Cheryl (Rall). They were married for 65 wonderful years and built their home in Edgeley, where they raised their children.

Rodney dedicated 34 years of his career to Dakota Valley Electric as a Lineman, a role he took great pride in. One of his favorite quotes was "God said, 'Let there be light', and then He made a Lineman.” He was active in several community service organizations and in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.

Rodney enjoyed being at the family farm and spent many joyful hours riding his favorite horse, Bud. His love for nature was evident in his passion for collecting rocks, finding beauty in each one. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, but his favorite was snow skiing in the mountains.

Above all, Rodney cherished spending time with family and gathering with friends. He was an avid fan of Elvis and country music, and he loved to sing and dance. Rodney enjoyed his daily two-mile walks to have coffee with the guys, loved going to the movies, and enjoyed traveling, having visited every state but one.

Rodney is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl (Rall) Ness; his children, Michele (Hugh) Spiekermeier; Tharen Ness; and Heather (Shawn) Rye. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Eric Feist, Brittany (Jeff) Opp, Nolan Rye, Nora Rye, Aspen Ness, and Emmitt Ness, as well as Jason Spiekermeier, Jessica (Eric) Scheffer, and his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Rubye Ness, his brother Gary Ness, and his daughter Melinda Ness.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with visitation at 9:00 a.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Edgeley. Burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Edgeley Park Board or another Edgeley area service organization.

Edgeley Park Board, P.O. Box 124, Edgeley, ND 58433.

Williams-Lisko Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.