Eleanor Mae Ness

Eleanor M. Ness, 88, of Edina, MN, and formerly of Mesa, AZ, and Eagan, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Eleanor was born in Crookston, MN on February 21, 1937. She married the love of her life, Luther Ness, on November 29, 1957. Eleanor and Luther were married for 61 wonderful years, raising their family in Eagan, and later retiring to Mesa.
Eleanor had a successful career as a Librarian at Rahn Elementary School. She was very artistic and creative - an accomplished water-color painter, an avid crafter, and a gardener extraordinaire. She had many, many beloved friends that meant the world to her. She loved spending time with her family, especially during the many cherished days at the family cabin in Pequot Lakes, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oluf and Stella Opperud; brothers Lloyd Opperud, Raymond Opperud; sisters Alice Johnson, LaVaun Swanson, Gloria Oiuhus, and Mary Lou Hoffe; and her son, Paul Ness. She is survived by her children Daniel (Janet) Ness of Warrenton, VA, and Randi (John) Kelley of Edina, MN; and her daughter-in-law Wendy Johnson-Ness of Brooklyn Park, MN. Grandchildren Sara Strong, Brooke Boeser, Benjamin (Isa) Ness, Allison Kelley, Caitlyn (Benjamin) Carmack, Diana (Nicholas) Jordan, Joshua (Megan) Boeser, and Christopher Kelley. Great Grandchildren Ezekial Alvarado, Lana Kelley-Khan, Samuel Carmack, Benjamin Strong, Charlotte Carmack, Leo Kelley, Angelina Ness, Olivia Strong, and Eleanor Nogler; and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Eleanor will be remembered for her kindness, creativity and the love she shared with everyone who knew her.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, visitation from 11-12, service at 12, with luncheon following at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Internment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Friday, November 28, 2025, 9:30am, 7601 34th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55450. Memorials in Eleanor's name preferred to the Alzheimer's Association. www.Wasburn-McReavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996