Hazel Evelyn Ness was born on November 16, 1917, in Hegbert Township, Swift County, to Edward and Oline (Bjorklie) Rognlin. She was baptized and confirmed at Long Lake Lutheran Church. She attended rural school in Hegbert Township through the eighth grade and several classes for her food service certificates.On September 27, 1937, she was married to Norman W. Ness at Milbank, SD. During her life Hazel worked as an chamber maid at Browns Hotel, did waitress work, worked in the produce and meat departments at Red Owl, and as a cook at Appleton High School. She retired from the school in 1982 after working there for 20 years.Hazel was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was chairperson of the fair board. She enjoyed shopping, visiting with friends, TV news and weather, and driving her car. She was very supportive of her family's activities. As her health failed her telephone became her life-line to talk with family and friends.Hazel had great love for her family and friends and had a deep, strong faith. She was very dependable, hard working, and a "ball of fire". Holidays and birthdays were always made special for her family. She started driving in her mid 40's and enjoyed the new found freedom. She was always ready for a new adventure and enjoyed her visits to Ansbach, Germany, California, Hawaii, and Branson, MO.Hazel died on Friday, December 4th, at Appleton Area Health Services. She had attained 92 years, and 18 days of age.She is survived by two children: Donna Harris of Appleton, and Donald (Roxanna) Ness of Ashby; six grandchildren: Dana Harris, Eve Kay, Anthony (Vickie) Ness, Nicholas (Lia) Ness, Jacquelynn Ness, and Melissa Ness; nine great-grandchildren: Lilly Kay, Mason and Sadie Ness, Nicholas T. Ness, Mercedes Ness, Amber Ness, Brian and Kai Ness, Aaron Phillips, and Alexis Ness; one great-great-grandchild, Alorah Ness; two sisters: Ruth Haraldson and Gladys (Ed) Burlem; two brothers: Oscar Rognlin and Harvey (Maxine) Rognlin of Owatonna; two sisters-in-law: Emma Rognlin and Amy Blank; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman, on December 13, 1983; sisters Verna Shelstad and Helen Rognlin; and two brothers: Rueben and Leonard Rognlin; siters-in-law: Lucy Ronglin and Doris Rognlin; and three brothers-in-law: Harry Ness, Art Haraldson, and Ed Shelstad.
