Lee James Ness

Lee J. Ness, 61, Grand Forks, died Monday, May 7, 2018 at 4000 Valley Square -Woodside Village, Heartland Neighborhood.  Lee James Ness, the son of Roy E. and Aileen Jane (Thompson) Ness was born at Edmore, North Dakota on July 21, 1956.  Lee graduated from Edmore High School.  He attended the NDSCS at Wahpeton, ND for one year and then attended the University of North Dakota after which he attended Law School in Oregon and received his Masters in Tax from the University of Colorado.  Lee was a Certified Public Accountant, an Attorney, and a Professor at UND for 20 years prior to his retirement in 2006.  In his younger years Lee enjoyed playing football, basketball, and both snow and water skiing. He played in the 1st Annual North Dakota Shrine Bowl. He was a very athletic and sometimes daring person.  He loved spending time at the lake with his family and friends.  Lee married Diane Kaye Mathiason on May 26, 1979 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Fairdale, North Dakota.  There were two children born from this union, daughter Kelsey, and son Grant.  Lee married Pamela Sue “Pam” (Hagen) Hjelden on February 19, 2000 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.  They were blessed with a loving 19 year relationship. Later in life, Lee was a longtime UND "Fighting Sioux" booster and fan.  An active leader of a Grand Forks MS support group.  Lee was a one of a kind, wonderful person.  In the 34 years that he had MS, he remained positive, never complaining or feeling sorry for himself. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughter, Kelsey (Chris) Morem along with a grandchild soon to arrive;  son, Grant (Kylee) Ness; stepchildren, Melissa (David) Bartholomew, Matthew (Missy) Hjelden;  step-grandchildren, Michael and Madelyn Bartholomew;  Nova Rose Hjelden;  a sister, Kathy (Roger) Ivesdal;  brother, Roy “Bill” (Ruth) Ness;  aunt, Solveig Tvedten;  a niece and several nephews.Lee was preceded in death by his parents. Special thanks to the staff at 4000 Valley square, Woodside Village, Heartland neighborhood for their loving care over the last 13 months.  Thanks and appreciation to Altru Hospice staff, and Chaplains Susie, Carlos and Bud.  Thanks to Lee's medical support team at Altru Health Systems including Doctors Deere, Roller, Parik and Haug, along with their staff members. **Memorial contributions may be made is Lee's name to:https://www.mscenter.org/A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2018 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St. in Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.