Philip Lowell Ness

Philip L. Ness, 78, of New Buffalo, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, MI.Phil was born January 23, 1932 in Virginia, Minnesota to Arnold and Ann (Kuzma) Ness. Phil was a teacher, coach and realtor in New Buffalo. He enjoyed family, especially his grandchildren. He also liked to golf, hunt, fish and play sports. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, MN in 1949, he earned his Bachelors Degree in Physical Education from the University of North Dakota in 1955. After serving our country in the Navy, he went on to get his Masters Degree in Health Education from Colorado State. Phil was an accomplished athlete that excelled in all sports. His numerous accomplishments not only included lettering in four sports – football, track, basketball, and golf – at the University of North Dakota, but making all conference in them as well. Phil was also an avid golfer that won the Virginia City Championship in 1951. He used his skills as a golf pro to teach others. His proudest accomplishments were in boxing. His success earned him all conference in high school – Golden Glove 8th District Middle Weight Crown 1951, Light Heavy Weight Crown 1952, and then Light Heavy Weight Region 8 Semi-Finalist 1954 & 1955. His boxing success cumulated with his becoming the World All-Navy Light Heavy Weight Champion of 1956.Philip is survived by his wife Natalie; his children – James Ness of Grand Rapids, MI and Kimberly (Craig) Schmaltz of Portage, MI; four grandchildren – Josephine and Sophia Ness, and Reid and Craig Schmaltz; sister – Marsha Ness, and brother – Mark Ness both of Minneapolis, MN; and an uncle – Floyd (Joyce) Ness of Hopkins, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents-Arnold and Ann, and a brother-David.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 31, 2010, 11:00am, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, with Rev. Phong Pham officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, from 9:00-10:30pm, at Sommerfeld Chapel, New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation or to Hospice At Home. Friends wishing to sign the family guestbook may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com