Earl R. Van Ness

Iron Mountain - Earl R. Van Ness was welcomed into the arms of his savior, Jesus Christ on October 13, 2009. Earl was met in Heaven's Gate by his parents Ernest and Helen, his first wife Loretta, brothers Ernest Jr. and Clarence along with his sister Carol. Earl was born in Menominee, MI on July 23, 1927, graduated with the Kingsford High School Class of 1946 and went on to attend the Dundin Business College. Earl was a U.S. Navy Veteran (1945-1948),serving abord the U.S.S Kearsarge. He was employed by the Niagara Paper Mill, retiring as a supervisor after 37 years of employment. Earl was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain and a longtime member of the Golden-K. Earl enjoyed family first, his 4-O'clock coffee with family, gardening, his many hummingbirds, wintering in Arizona, 4-wheeling and spending countless hours at Camp Six-Pak. Earl was very proud of his entire family and served as a role model for all. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him and will remain forever in their hearts and minds. Earl is survived by his wife of 42 years, Betty; a daughter Gail (Gus) Glaser; a son Randy (Linda) Van Ness; a step-daughter Jody Pauly; granddaughters Lori (Daryl) Linnert, Lisa (Josh) Villringer and Emily Van Ness, a grandson Justin Van Ness; along with great grandchildren Noah, Lauren, Lily, Hayden and Kate. He is further survived by a sister, Darlene Bilder, a brother, Wally (Gerry) VanNess and a special friend, Jim Casari. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 AM - Noon at the First United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be officiated at Noon by Pastor Peggy Paige at the church. A luncheon to share memories will follow the church service. A burial service will follow in the Iron Mountain Cemetery. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to family, friends and the medical professionals for their support during Earl's 3-year brave battle with cancer. Dr. Morel, the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital, and the doctors and staff of the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Medical Center are to be commended for their service, care, and compassion. Memorials will be established for the local Chapter of the American Cancer Society and to the Golden-K for their programs for Special Needs Children. Condolences to the family of Earl Van Ness can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.