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ORDELL J. GARNESS
March 16, 1926 - October 21, 2015

Ordell Jean Garness was reunited in heaven with his true love, Marjorie, on October 21st, 2015. Born in rural Mabel Township on March 16th, 1926, to Nelvin and Ida Garness, Ordell was a farmer from the beginning.

His early years at Tawney School nurtured a farmer with big hands and meticulous fields. His love for his farm created an outdoorsman with a knack for woodworking and a heart of gold. On January 24th, 1946, Ordell married his love, Marjorie. Together they had 4 beautiful children – Dean, Dennis, Nelvin and Marsha.

After years of farming in Canton Township, Marjorie and Ordell blessed another community and moved to Lanesboro in 1990. In those years, you could find Ordell being a craftsman, high school sports fanatic and wonderful neighbor. In 2008, Ordell and Marjorie made Winona their home until both of their passing. Forever in Ordell’s heart is Henrytown Lutheran Church in rural Harmony, MN.

Ordell was a politician, right up until his death. He was a Fillmore County Commissioner for 12 years and served on the Lanesboro City Council for 4 years. Conversations with him always made you walk away knowing a little more about life, government, and the world as a whole. Ordell remembered every date, every story, and every interaction he had. Whether it be his old coffee clutch, or his fishing and hunting adventures, he could describe them perfectly, all the while solving every world problem.

Ordell passed away surrounded by family and the wonderful staff at Sauer Health Care in Winona, MN, at the age of 89.

Ordell will be sadly missed by his family. He is survived by his son, Dennis (Dorene) of Canton, Nelvin (Chris) of Wabasha, Marsha (Kris) Hall of Winona, and his daughter in-law, Sonja of Redwing. He leaves incredible memories behind for 13 grandchildren – Jon Garness, Dana Novak, Corey Garness, Nicole Holm, Valerie Torgerson, Maria Slawson, Joe Garness, CollinGarness, Jennifer Backer, Alison Prodzinski, Laura Strobush, Kayla Hall, and Ryan Hall. And will forever be remembered by his 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, a sister Doris Barkheim of Winona, several nieces and nephews, friends, old neighbors, and all who knew him. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Marjorie, son Dean, great grandson Caleb, his parents and two sisters.

Ordell lived his life to the fullest, the most complete, and the most beautiful – leaving with ‘no regrets’. You will forever be missed grandpa, give kisses to Gramma.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m.Monday, October 26, 2015, at the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton, MN, with the Reverend Kerry Eversole officiating.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m.Sunday, October 25, at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.  Memorials are preferred to Henrytown Lutheran Cemetery.

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