Bernice Ness

Bernice's services are planned for Visitation: Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Grove Lake Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN. Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Grove Lake Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with Pastor Clay Ellingson officiating. Burial: Grove Lake Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. On Friday, May 1, 2020, Bernice Ness passed away peacefully at age 100. Known by many from her work at the Cormorant Store which she owned and operated with her husband Oliver, Bernice had a smile and a kind word for everyone she encountered- many of whom she remembered by name from their visits to the Cormorant Store for hand-dipped ice cream cones or cheese cut with the string. Bernice Victoria was born on April 5, 1920 to Severt and Ida (Olson) Anderson near Rollag, Minnesota. She attended country school in Rollag, high school for three years in Hawley, and graduated from Barnesville High School. After graduating, she worked at the Rollag Store. There she met her future husband, E. Oliver Ness, and the two were married on February 14, 1948. Together, they ran the Cormorant Store for 30 years before they retired and moved to Middle Cormorant Lake. Even in retirement, Bernice was active. She walked miles every day, often in the company of her friends and neighbors, and she cross country skied with them in the winter. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, and entertaining her grandchildren Emily and Andrew during the summers. She was also an active member of Grove Lake Lutheran Church. In 1990, Bernice and Oliver moved to Pelican Rapids. Oliver died on September 14, 1994, and in 2008, Bernice moved to Moorhead and Eventide Lutheran Home. Known as “Grandma Niece” to her grandchildren and the Rollie Family, Bernice’s great loves were her family and her dog Snuggles. Bernice’s lefse, flatbread, and Norwegian rusks were favorites at family gatherings, and she patiently taught her grandchildren how to play whist and rummy (but gave them a run for their money in competitive bouts of multi-player solitaire). Bernice is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Beth Rollie (Shoreview, MN); granddaughter Emily Rollie (Cle Elum, WA); grandson Andrew Rollie (Shoreview, MN); and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Oliver; parents; brother Wallace; sisters Eveleth Solum Emma Badtke, Clarice Anderson; infant twin sister Edith, and another infant sister. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a celebration of life service will be held at a later date when we can safely gather. Please keep the Ness, Anderson, and Rollie families in your thoughts and prayers. Bernice Ness's Memorial Folder