Dwight Richard Ness, 72, of Belleville, IL, born July 14, 1952, in Mayville, ND, died Monday, May 19, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.
Mr. Ness was a United States Air Force veteran and retired as a Major after 20 years of service. He continued his service in the Air Force Reserves, the Air Guard, and working in civil service at Scott AFB. Eventually he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
During high school, Dwight was a state runner-up in wrestling in the North Dakota state wrestling tournament. He received a scholarship from North Dakota State University in both football and wrestling and ultimately decided to pursue wrestling. Later, Dwight enjoyed using his talents to coach the Belleville Little Devils and Belleville East High School. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and then became a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. Dwight was an avid quilter and painter. He enjoyed sewing at Cardinal Ritter Senior Center for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Verona, nee Ostlie, Ness.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda, nee Wassberg, Ness, whom he married on September 7, 1973; three sons, Andrew (Carolyn) Ness, Richard (Melissa) Ness, and Matthew Ness (Careen Jewel); five grandchildren, David, Erik, Ethan, Leighton, and Oscar; a sister, Melanie (Michael) Walsh; and many other dear family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church or the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Brian Robison officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
A celebration of life will be held in Fargo, North Dakota, at a later date.
