Jonathan Howard Ness, a beloved family man and passionate outdoor enthusiast, passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 49. Born on October 28, 1975, in Willmar, Minnesota, Jonathan dedicated his life to both his family and his work, leaving behind a legacy of love and adventure.
He graduated from Atwater-Grove City School in 1994, then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Jonathan’s professional journey began at Diamond Construction, where he worked from 2000 until 2006. He subsequently joined Bobcat of Gwinner, North Dakota, where he continued to build strong relationships with colleagues until his untimely passing.
Jonathan was an avid fisherman, taking pride in being the first to catch a walleye from the Sheyenne River each spring. Yet, his most significant catch was his wife, Sherri Saunders, whom he met at Bobcat. The couple married in July 2009, establishing their family home near Fort Ransom, North Dakota. Together, they welcomed three children: Jakob in 2010, Avery in 2012, and Tara in 2014. Jonathan cherished his role as a father, often spending countless hours in the backyard playing catch and shooting baskets. He was a constant presence at their games and school activities.
Passion for the Outdoors and Ethical Hunting
Jonathan’s love for the outdoors extended beyond fishing. He was an enthusiastic hunter, particularly fond of pursuing waterfowl, pheasants, and deer. His skills in hunting were not only a personal passion but also a tradition he shared with his children. He instilled in them the importance of ethical hunting practices, emphasizing legal and fair chase methods.
A typical morning for Jonathan often included time spent in a duck blind with his son and father, experiences that he treasured deeply. Labrador retrievers held a special place in his heart, complementing his love for hunting and the outdoors.
In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Jonathan enjoyed discussing sports, particularly the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He was known for his spirited debates and extensive knowledge of various topics, always willing to advocate for the underdogs in life. His work ethic extended to his management style at Bobcat, where he treated his colleagues with fairness and respect.
A Lasting Impact on Family and Community
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Sherri, and their children, Jakob, Avery, and Tara. He also leaves behind his parents, Jerry and Geraldine Ness; in-laws Keith and Cindy Saunders; siblings Rachel (Aaron) Robertson and Bekah Ness; sister-in-law Shannon (Curtis) Madson; and brother-in-law Steven (Megan) Saunders, along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ella and Maurice Ness, and Howard and Laura Nordby, as well as Uncle Bruce Nordby and cousin Laura Nordby.
Visitation will be held on October 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m., with a time of sharing beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Expo Center in Lisbon. This moment will also be livestreamed on the Dahlstrom Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, organizations that reflect Jonathan’s love for the environment and wildlife.
Jonathan Ness will be remembered for his dedication to family, his passion for the outdoors, and his unwavering spirit. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.
