Donald W. Ness

Donald W. Ness, 79 of La Crosse passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

He was born in La Crosse on May 2, 1941 to Albert & Veronica (Leahy) Ness. He graduated from Central H.S. class of 1959. After graduation he worked for Thermal King in Minneapolis. Later he returned to La Crosse & met Lynn Schreier “the love of his life” through a cousin & friend and they were married on May 20, 1967 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse.

Don was employed by River States Truck & Trailer before retiring and also worked in past years at Gateway Foods, Peterbilt, Mack Truck & Trane Co. He served in the National Guard. He also was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in La Crosse & enjoyed the social meetings.

Don, or often referred to by his older acquaintances as “Elliott Ness”, enjoyed many summer adventures boating & camping on the Mississippi with family and numerous River Rat friends (past & present). He truly enjoyed Hawaii, Mazatlán, Cancun & wintering in South Padre, the ever-amazing houseboat trip on Lake Powell, AZ. And, of course, the very special trips to McKinney & Seattle to see the kids and the “Griswold” family vacations. He liked mini road trips – always knew the best short cuts to get there & different return routes. Some of his best “sports” were socializing with friends, playing euchre & numerous card games, working on anything mechanical, watching NASCAR races &Green Bay Packer games, and explaining to his daughters how to become a Dr. of Motors (those being cars, lawn mowers, refrigerators, tv’s, etc. etc.) & even using that degree to get a better seat on a flight!!!

Don is survived by his wife, Lynn; two daughters Tracy (Todd) Van Hyfte of McKinney, TX and Amy Egbuji of Kirkland, WA; six grandchildren – Shelby, Paige & Addison Van Hyfte and Ayala, Makari & Malachi Egbuji; two sisters Laura Reed of Union Grove, WI and Linda (James) Pake of La Crosse and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Al and Veronica.

We all will miss his charming personality, expert but encouraging advice and all the love & adventures he passed on to the kids and grandkids. Even though he realized having two daughters (who he dearly loved and cherished from the day they were born) he wouldn’t be carrying on the Ness name. But alas – after giving him & Lynn five granddaughters (who they were so very proud of) he got a grandson (who by the way does carry that pistol of a boy Ness name).

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Sat., July 11, 2020 at 11:00 AM Deacon Richard        Sage will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM and burial will follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, masks will be required as well as social distancing.