Ralph Barness
Ralph L. Barness, 91, of West Union, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Barthell O.E.F. Home in Decorah.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. Rev. Marshall Nessa was the officiant.
Friends were invited to call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Schutte-Grau Funeral Home in Clermont and one-hour before services at the church on Monday, Jan 19.
Interment was held in the Bethany Lutheran Cemetery.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont assisted the family with the arrangements.
Ralph Leonard, the son of Ben and Betsy (Thorbjornson) Barness, was born July 5, 1923 on the family farm south of Ossian, Iowa. He attended country school and one year at the Lutheran Brethren Schools in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Ralph then farmed south of Ossian until he moved to West Union in 1984. Ralph was united in marriage with Ida Osterhus in March of 1943. To this union, five children were born. After Ida’s death in 2000, Ralph married Marie Kleppe in June of 2001. After Marie’s death in 2006, Ralph was united in marriage with Frances Fitzpatrick-Schultz on February 14, 2013.
Ralph was a charter member of Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ossian. He was a very active church member and held many offices in the church over the years. Ralph loved farming. Even after his “retirement” he could still be found at the farm. He also enjoyed helping his son, Wayne, at auctions, woodworking, and reading.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Frances, of West Union; his five children, Bev (Vaughn) Jackson of Waukesha, WI; Wayne (friend, Sharon Danielson) Barness of Fayette, IA; James (Luann) Barness of Ossian; Gerald “Fred” (Vikki) Barness of Ossian; and Nancy (Ron) Bowdish of Strawberry Point, IA; three stepchildren; nineteen grandchildren; thirty one great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Ralph was preceded in death by his wives, Ida and Marie; his parents; two brothers, John Barness and Conrad, who died in infancy; and five sisters, Borghild Strand, Agnes Thompson, Lilly Berentson, Alice Reinertson, and Florence Osmundson.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.