Clayton G. Ness

“Death is a challenge.  It teaches us not to waste time.”

Clayton Gene Ness lost his battle with cancer on December 23, 2023. Despite the struggles and frequent hospital stays, he never lost his sense of humor.  Through his journey, he cracked jokes and kept his nurses on their toes!  Clayton always had the great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Clayton was born in Rolla, North Dakota, to Johanna (Royland) and O. Nolen Ness. In 1958, they moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, where he would spend the rest of his years. After graduating from Moorhead High School in 1970, Clayton spent the next few years in the US Army. Being stationed in Germany was something Clayton would tell stories about for years to come. The military was something Clayton was especially proud of, along with his family.

Clayton made many good friends over the years. He loved each and every one of them and would have given the shirt off his back any time for them. He loved spending summers at the lake fishing with his kids and grandkids or hunting with his son, Ryen. And of course, having a beer with a good friend was something he did often. He was even known to spend a few nights a week singing karaoke with this big brother, Helmer, and friends.

Clayton is survived by his children, Joie Thompson and Ryen (Amy) Ness; his 5 grandchildren, Rylee, Aiden, Cole, Macy and Duke; his best friend, Lee Ann Ness; big brother, Helmer; nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

There will be a graveside service, with full military honors, Friday, June 7, 2024, at 2 PM, at Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.