Henry Wisness

Henry Wisness, 91, of Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo. Henry Carl (Hank) Wisness was born July 28, 1920 to Henry and Kenty (Fryer) Wisness in Maddock, ND. He graduated from high school in Maddock in 1938. He married Evelyn Bergoust in 1944 in Maddock. During World War II, he served in the Army in the Pacific Operation. After the war, he farmed in the Maddock area until 1947. After moving to Fargo, he was employed at the Ford Motor Co, Fargo Post Office, and Red Owl Stores for 19 years. In 1969, he became the business agent and secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 116 in Fargo for 10 years. He served on the executive board there for 17 years. He retired in 1982. During their marriage, Hank and Evie raised three daughters Connie, Sandi, and Pam. After Evie’s death in 1979, Hank married Alva (Singy) Johnson in 1980. He became step-dad to Ted Johnson, Jean Orsini, and Lynell Pickar. Singy died in 2007. In the community, Hank served on the Fargo Housing Authority for ten years and on the Civil Service Commission for the City of Fargo. He also served on the board of the Bluemont Lakes Community Association. He was a member of the American Legion for 56 years, of the Disabled American Veterans, and of the Fargo Eagles Club. Hank and Singy delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. He loved all kinds of sports and especially enjoyed watching the Yankees, Twins and Vikings. He also enjoyed whist, fishing, bowling, and horseshoes. Like his dad, he pitched in many horseshoe tournaments during his life and in 1979 was proudly elected to the ND Horseshoe Hall of Fame. Hank was a member of Olivet Lutheran Church since 1947. He is survived by his three “favorite” daughters, Connie (Al) Santwire; and Sandi (Bruce) Cossette of Fargo; and Pam (Larry Auge) Wisness of Scottsdale, AZ; and his sister, Opal Peterson. He is also survived by grandson, Seth (Andrea) Holverson and granddaughter, Brynn (Morgan) Reed and by great-grandchildren, Oliver and Eleanor Holverson. Other survivors include his stepchildren and their families and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives, Evelyn and Singy; by brothers, Sidney and Kenneth; and by granddaughter, Heather Holverson and grandson, Troy Johnson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Bethany Retirement Living, Olivet Lutheran Church, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial Service: Friday, November 18, 2011, at 10:00 AM, at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Inurnment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.