Ronald Wayne Ness, 85, of Perham, formerly of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Perham Health under the care of HIA Hospice. Ron was born June 17, 1940, in Ada, MN, where he grew up and attended school. He spent many hours riding with his dad Gurdon “Sport” Ness who taught him how to drive milk truck and semis. After graduating from high school in 1958, Ron served in the U.S. Army until 1962. He then continued his education at Mayville State University, earning his degree in teaching. While there, he also excelled in football, later being inducted into the Mayville State Athletic Hall of Fame and recruited by the Minnesota Vikings but turned them down to prioritize family. Ron married Carol Sorbo on August 18, 1963, in Sharon, ND. Together they adopted their son, Marc Christian, in October of 1970.

Over the years, Ron taught and coached in Red Lake Falls, MN, until moving to Moorhead in 1969 where he taught physical education and adaptive physical education. He coached hockey and football from 1979 – 1995. Ron had a passion for helping others succeed and took pride in his involvement with Special Olympics, serving as a board member from 1980 – 1988. After retiring from teaching, Ron enjoyed working in the crop insurance industry until 2016. He also enjoyed traveling and spent many winters with Carol in Arizona.

Ron is survived by his son, Marc (Lisa) Ness; grandsons, Connor and Marshall Ness; brothers-in-law, Jack Kern and Loren Bjerke; nieces and nephews, Mardi (Perry) Eidem, Scott (Laura) Bjerke, Lynda Lee Sorbo, Paula (Johnny) Kayler, and Joni Dammen; cousin, Jim (Judy) Ellingson; as well as other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; and infant sister, Janis Kay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to HIA Hospice or Special Olyimpics Minnesota.

Visitation will be Friday, May 1, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.