Ornie Randolph Alness

Ornie Alness, age 104, of Clarkfield, Minnesota, died peacefully on Monday, November 24, 2025, at his home - the same farm site that he was born on. Memorial Services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. Following military honors and a reception at the funeral home, interment will be in the Spring Creek Lutheran Cemetery, south of Clarkfield, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to his celebration, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Ornie Randolph Alness was born on October 3, 1921, on his parents' farm in Tyro Township, near Clarkfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Magnus and Inga (Foss) Alness. Ornie grew up attending country school and after the 8th grade began helping on the family farm. At age 20, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country on the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Grace Gatchell, whom he fondly called Gracie. They were united in marriage on November 20, 1954, at the First Congregational Church in Granite Falls, Minnesota. They made their home back on his family farm where they raised their five children. Central to their lives was their faith and their church community. Ornie served as an elder, participated in adult Bible studies, and was always willing to help wherever needed.

One of Ornie’s favorite things to do on a quiet day was to drive around in his car, or on his Ranger, to view his crops. He loved the harvest time and gathering the grain from the seeds that were sown. Ornie was proud to care for his homestead his entire life, and he started to phase into retirement at age 65.

Ornie was a long-time member of the Granite Falls VFW and Clarkfield American Legion. He also served on the Tyro Township Board. When he wasn't working at the farm, Ornie enjoyed traveling, camping, and his annual reunion with fellow veterans who served with him aboard the USS Wharton. Ornie was a humble man who had a deep love for his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He often shared with his family that he was grateful for every day that the good Lord gave him. He was known for his humor and quick wit, often adding Norwegian phrases that were spoken with a twinkle in his eyes.

Ornie Alness died peacefully on November 24, 2025, at his home, completing a 104-year life story on his century farm. Blessed be his memory.

He is survived by 4 of his children, Richard (and Cindy) Alness of Mound, Arlene (and Russell) Young of Tea, SD, Joanne (and Larry) Hanson of Gravois Mills, MO, David (and Carol) Alness of Clarkfield; 14 grandchildren, Eric (and Melissa) Alness, Angela (and Jesse) Koller, Amy (and Curtis) Larson, Melissa (Missy) (and Brenton) Haack, Andrew (and Sarah) Alness Olson, Mikayla Young, Tiffany Young, Kyla (and Kyle) O'Doherty, Annie (and Jacob) Myers, Lars (and Bekah) Hanson, Anders (and Kayla) Hanson, Michael Alness, Marit Alness, Samuel Alness; 22 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Ornie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace Alness; daughter, Coleen Alness; and 5 siblings, Jorena Schrupp, Merlin Alness, Inghart Alness, Alvina Cole, and Ordell "Marlow" Alness.