Jerry Lee Ness, 56, of Watertown, SD passed away, surrounded by his loved ones, on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Prairie Lakes Hospital.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 11, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Richard Fox officiating. Music will be provided by soloist, Kari Anderson and the Immaculate Conception Funeral Choir accompanied by Danielle Holmquist-Holida. Military Honors will be conducted at the church by Codington County Post 17 of the American Legion and SD Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.
Jerry's services will be recorded and will be posted to his obituary page on the funeral home website.
Casket bearers will be Zach Lenards, Ryan Sakry, Steven Skaalerud, Andy Boehlke, Andrea Sakry and Jeff Dockendorf.
Honorary casket bearers will be Jerry's nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews.
Interment will be private for the family on Saturday at St. Mary's Cemetery in Watertown.
Jerald Lee Ness was born to Gerald and Stella (Belgarde) Ness on November 16, 1965 in Minot, ND. He grew up in St. Cloud and the Iron Range and graduated from Cherry High School in 1984. Following graduation, Jerry joined the US Army National Guard. After being in the service, Jerry had different jobs in MN including painting and factory work. Watertown became Jerry's home in the late 1980's. He worked at Brothers Quick Lube and later at Technicolor Screen Printing. Jerry became involved with the American Legion and loved to help them out at different events and also filled in as custodian when needed. Jerry became a member of Post 17 where he proudly performed 134 Honor Guard funerals.
Jerry was the first person people would go to when needing help with odd jobs, and though he didn't have any children of his own, he was "Uncle Jerry" to not only his nieces and nephews, but also to the children of his friends, who he helped take care of whenever he was needed.
Jerry was well known for his jolly nature and for his laugh which was unique and contagious. "The life of the party" is how he was often described. Jerry was an excellent dancer and wore out his family and friends with the twirling and dips.
Jerry is survived by his parents, Gerald and Stella Ness of Watertown; his siblings, Shirley Hjellming of Watertown, SD, Wendy (Dan) Sakry of Waite Park, MN, Brenda (Peter) Dockendorf of Cold Spring, MN, and Shelly (Chuck) Lenards of Watertown, SD.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Tammy and Cheryl Ness; his great nephew, Lukas Boadwine; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.