Marlin "Pearly" Ness

Marlin “Pearly” Ness, age 85, of Glenwood, formerly of Westport, MN passed away on October 31, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family after a very brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Marlin Orville Ness was born in St. Cloud, MN to Stanley and Irene (Rau) Ness. He graduated from St. Cloud Tech High School in 1954. He began working in the Parts Department at International Harvester in Minneapolis, MN. On May 28, 1960, he married his soulmate, Delphine Schneider at the Catholic Church in Rockville, MN. They moved to the little town of Westport in Pope County and Marlin began a long career as owner/operator of the Westport Oil Company. Marlin delivered fuel oil in the area. In 1979, he sold the business to Cenex in Villard, MN. Together Marlin and Del ran a supper club they called The Playground Supper Club in Westport for 10 years. He did continue on as manager for Cenex from 1983 until his retirement in 2001. For over 30 years, Marlin served his Westport community as the Mayor, in addition to being on the city council for over 50 years. He was a very active member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Villard, having also volunteered to serve on the Church Council. In addition, Marlin was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. In 2020, they moved to Glenwood, MN.

In his free time, Marlin enjoyed going hunting and fishing, frying up whatever he caught, dancing, and gardening. In the winter months, he spent many hours out snowmobiling, bowling, ice fishing, and socializing. He loved to follow his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids events. Marlin was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, and brother. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Del Ness of Glenwood; daughters, Sheila (Jim) Pfeninger of Villard and Deanna (Jim) Otte of St. Cloud; four grandchildren, Leanne (Trent) Prohl, Alicia (Danny) Leach, Zack Otte, and Nash Otte; three great-grandchildren, Addalyn, Brynlee, and Easton; siblings, Vern Ness of St. Cloud and Carliss (Fred) Lucius of Cookville, TN; and many nieces and nephews. Marlin is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley, and Irene; and sister, Arlene Medeck.

A Mass of Resurrection will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at St. Bartholomew Church in Villard with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at St. Bartholomew Church and continue on Friday at the church an hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Villard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Poor Clares Monastery in Sauk Rapids, MN. 421 4th St. S. Sauk Rapids, MN 56379