Dr. Duane "Doc" Ness

July 15, 1927 - November 10, 2018

The funeral service Celebrating the Life of Dr. Duane Ness “Doc”, of Wadena, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Wadena, with Pastor Jim Stoneman presiding. Visitation will be held at the Church on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. and will resume at the church on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. With family at his side, Duane, age 91, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the North Memorial Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Duane Ellsworth Ness was born to Arthur C. and Florence (Jensen) Ness on July 15, 1927, in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Washburn High School, worked at his father’s pharmacy as a soda fountain jerk, and often spent summers at his grandma’s farm near Bemidji. Duane served in the US Navy during WWII and was stationed in San Diego, CA as a medic. He was honorably discharged as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. Following his military service he attended the University of Minnesota undergraduate and medical school. In 1955, while in medical school, Duane met Stephanie “Stevie” Vincent of Coleraine, and they were married on September 15, 1956. They moved to Duluth for his residency and by 1958 they made their home in Wadena where they raised their children, Cindy, Eric and Paul. Away from work, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, woodcarving, traveling, and reading, particularly about WWII. All who knew Duane experienced the selfless, empathetic, trusting, and honorable qualities of his gentle soul. He was a care-giver to the Nth degree, especially when Stevie’s health was failing. He was a generous, well-educated and traveled man who easily and humbly shared his experiences and wisdom. Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Stevie, on July 12, 2014; parents, Arthur and Florence; son Eric; in-laws Ben and Ena Vincent; and brother Marshall Ness. Memories of Duane will be treasured by his children Cindy of Fridley; and son Paul (Alyssa) of Excelsior; grandchildren Julienne, Noelle, Joseph and Saralynn; brother John (Jackie) Ness; sister-in-law Mary Ness; and a host of colleagues, neighbors and friends. Burial will be next to his wife in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials go to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 110 Colfax Ave. SW, Wadena, MN.