Orrin A. Ness, 87, Minot, died Sunday, December 23, 2012 in a Minot hospital.

Orrin was born August 8, 1925, in Minot, ND to Oliver and Alice (Syvrud) Ness. Orrin talked often of his childhood, living by Roosevelt Park and helping his father and brothers build homes in Minot. He graduated from Minot Model High School. At the age of 18 years old with his parents consent, he entered the US Navy on 10-25-1943.

He was deployed to the Aleutian Islands building runways until his honorable discharge on 04-30-1946. Following his service he returned to Minot, assisting his father as a carpenter and auto mechanic.

Orrin was once married to LaVerne Danielson. This union was blessed with four children, Sandra, Craig, Dennis and Kim. Orrin was joined in marriage to Irene Selfors in 1975. They made their home in Minot, where they enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge and traveling for many years. He and Irene acquired Brandy their beloved canine friend. He began employment for Kedney Moving and Storage Company of Minot in 1955. He specialized as a cost estimator for moving families for more than 25 years. He retired to care for his wife Irene until she passed away on May 24, 1995.

Orrin was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church the Moose Lodge and VFW. He enjoyed woodworking, bowling, doing puzzles and was known to be a 'master tinkerer.' Orrin could repair or build almost anything. He embraced technology, carrying a special interest in editing digital photography. Orrin loved to visit with nearly anyone he met. What Orrin loved most was his family and spending time with them. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

His loving family includes children, Sandra (Ron) New, Woodburn, OR, Craig (Sally) Ness and Dennis (Laurene) Ness, both of Minot, Kim Berning, Bismarck, ND and Deb Pfau, San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Aimee Ness, Emily (Mitch) Keller, Andrew and Katie Berning, Olivia Peek, Stephanie Hamley, Shawn, Mark, Travis and Rick New; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce (LeRoy) Nohr, Minneapolis, MN and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Orrin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Irene, sisters, Palma Brandt, Adeline Cushman, Lilly Stammen, an infant brother, brothers; Albert and George Ness and his faithful canine companion, Brandy.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2012 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association.