LODI-With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Dolores Frances Ness, age 94, on October 17, 2022. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones.

Dolores was the fifth child born to John and Catherine (Ganser) Clemens, on April 28, 1928, in Dane, Wis. The family later moved to a farm in Lodi, Wis, where they lived and worked through the Great Depression and World War II. Hard work through those years was a condition of life and Dolores exemplified this work ethic throughout her life and while employed at the State Bank of Lodi where she eventually retired.

Robert Ness captured her heart in high school, and they married on June 29, 1950. They shared their life together for nearly 62 years until his death in 2012. Dolores and Bobby, or Ben, as he was affectionately known on Dolores’s side of the family, built a home on Lake Wisconsin where they graciously entertained both the Ness and Clemens families and friends. Dolores’s delicious cooking and interesting foods were always on the table, and often smoked oysters, anchovies, and her homemade pizza. Wonderful memories were had by all spending time with Dolores and Ben, especially at their lake home swimming, water skiing, snowmobiling, playing cards and sharing many laughs. Dolores loved to travel, cook, and shop for clothes! It was a lucky day for you if you got to go shopping with her in Madison to Woldenberg’s or to the dress shops in Baraboo! On those days eating lunch out was always a treat and likely a chance to try more unusual foods, such as olive nut sandwiches!

Most importantly, her life was guided by her strong faith, and her legacy is and was her devotion to hers and Ben’s families in their times of need. Although Dolores and Ben didn’t have children, they treated each and every one of their nieces and nephews as their own and generously showered them with love, respect and encouragement.

Dolores is survived by her sister, Pauline Olsen; brother, Jerry (Eva) Clemens; in-laws, Vonnie Clemens, Darlene Brisky, Donna (George) Ripp, Dale (Alice) Ness, Ardis Actherberg, Audrey (David) Attoe, Thomas (Judy) Ness, Richard (Connie) Ness, Charles Ness, Donnie (Jean) Ness and many nieces, nephews, and other family relatives.

Preceding Dolores in death were her parents; husband; infant brother, Vincent; sister, Mary (Elwin) Smith; brothers, Leo (Carol) Clemens and Joseph Clemens; in-laws, Arnold Olsen, Joyce (Raymond) Lochner, Robert Brisky, Leon Actherberg, and James Ness; parents-in-law Thomas and Verna Ness; nieces and nephews, Paul Olsen, Dan Olsen, John Olsen, Jane Clemens and Meredeth Smith Lewis.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to Dolores’s nieces, especially Ann (Olsen) Hale, Kathy (Olsen) Elver, and Sue (Olsen) Prentiss for their devoted and loving care to Dolores. Also, to the staff at Agrace Baraboo for their care of Dolores.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED TRINITY CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH, LODI, 521 Fair St, Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022, with the Rev. Father Joseph Baker presiding. Burial will be held in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.

All our love to you, Aunt Dolores, forever.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Dolores Frances Ness

April 28, 1928 - October 17, 2022

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