Milton Francis Ness "Mit" was born January 1, 1933, at home north of Pukwana to Botholf "Tophy" Ness and Hilda (Behrns) Ness. He left home when he was 14 and worked at the Cable Ranch until he was drafted into service and served during the Korean War. His unit built air strips and roads in Korea and Guam. Following the war, he returned to South Dakota and married Baunita Jandreau; four children were born to this union. He ranched on Cedar Creek north of Kennebec until his divorce. The ranch he built is still being run by his sons today. He then ranched north of Marcus with his brother. He married Guyla Edwards in 1985, one child was born to this union.
Mit or Milty was a man who had an affinity with animals especially horses and cattle. He loved to team rope and to watch family and friends rodeo. He was a man with a big heart and a gentle soul. Many children were welcome at his home to stay for however long they needed. Mit believed family was not just those you were related by blood. You could always depend on Mit to lend a hand and help where help was needed. People could always count on a new story or joke whenever he was around. He spent years going to rummage sales with lists of orders from many.
Mit Ness, 88, died February 11, 2021, at Monument Health Senior Care Sturgis where he has spent the last 6 years. Strokes and dementia had taken a toll and he did not visit as much as he once did, but he could still make people laugh and had special bonds with many at the facility. We thank the staff of the nursing home for taking care of him.
Mit is survived by his wife, Guyla; daughter, Katie; sons, Larry Ness, Bart Ness (Tonya); 7 grandchildren: Layne Larson (Ryan) and children, Trig and Reese; Elliot Gourneau (Caitlin) and daughter, Ivy; Maycee Ness, Brody Ness, Kalder Ness, Dara Ness and Bridgir Ness; brother, Bernard Ness; and sisters, Judy (Carl) Knuppe and Bonnie (Donnie) Hackens; sister-in-law, Patricia Henderson (Craig); father-in-law, Guy Edwards, Jr.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Survivors also include all those who are considered family including Ben Janis, Jim Jandreau, and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin and Rodney Ness; and two children who died in infancy.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Pastor Paul Henschen officiating.
Private family inurnment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Memorials have been established First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis, to Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry, or to Mark Park (info at  https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheMarkPark/about)  .

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