Alan Oswald Garness

Alan Oswald Garness passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, at the age of 91. Alan was born on September 28, 1932, to Oscar and Anna (Spande) Garness in Spring Grove, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed at Garness Trinity Lutheran Church. He attended Newburg and Henrytown country schools and graduated from Harmony High School in 1950.

Alan and Shirley Ann (Evenson) met in Rochester in 1954 and were married June 11, 1955, at Rushford Lutheran Church. They were blessed with five children.

Alan had a long, happy life doing what he loved, farming. His dad purchased the Fillmore County Poor Farm in 1943 where Alan farmed and lived his entire life. He was a successful farmer raising Angus beef cattle and harvesting crops. He also milked cows for many years. He took pride in his John Deere tractors and equipment. In 1975, he was awarded The Farmer Certificate of Merit as conservation farmer for his leadership in the science and practice of conservation of resources.

Alan enjoyed going to auctions, where he loved to socialize. The Lanesboro Sales Barn was another favorite spot of Alan’s, where he sold/bought cattle. He had a special place in his heart for the family’s dogs and cats. He also enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sports and dance recitals.

Alan and Shirley enjoyed trips to Washington, D.C./Boston/New York, a Lewis and Clark excursion to the West Coast, and a trip on Route 66 to California. Each year they looked forward to attending the annual Hallinglag Norwegian heritage gathering.

Alan was an avid reader, keeping up with current farming trends. He wrote an article in “Farm and Ranch” magazine under Tractor Talk about a vivid memory when his dad purchased their new Farmall M tractor back in 1941 when he was nine years old. The M tractor still runs and is still being used to this day on the farm.

Alan is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Harmony; children Karen (David) Bergey of Harmony, Kathryn Garness of Rochester, Kenneth (Fay) Garness of Canton, Sally Busse of Rochester, and David Garness of Harmony; 10 grandchildren: Jeremy, Shawn, and Jaime Bergey, Chad and Cody Garness, Sara Ehrhardt, Samantha and Sawyer Lange, and Alexis and Autumn Busse; 11 great=grandchildren Rudy, Lennon, Zachary, and Benjamin Bergey, Keagen and Harper Garness, Cassidy, Carson, and Carly Ehrhardt, and Averee and Cora McCollom. 

Alan was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Hench.

“Even when there’s peace after a long journey, our hearts are never ready to say goodbye.”

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 24 at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Mabel (42081 130th Street) from 5-7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Leonard Liptack officiating. Alan will be laid to rest in the Garness cemetery. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.