Richard "Rick" Wayne Werness, age 66, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with his family by his side.

Rick was born on September 22, 1951, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of the late Jesse and Selma "Dodie" (Stenberg) Werness.  As a child Rick lived in Montana and Utah moving with his father's work.  He graduated from Granger High School in St. Lake City, UT, and afterwards he returned to Grand Forks and joined the Army National Guard and retiring after 20 years with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  On May 5, 1972, he was married to Elaine Kazmierczak at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN.  The family made their home in East Grand Forks and Rick worked for UND, East Grand Forks Public Schools, and then for Grand Forks County Public Schools as a custodian and working his way up to Director of Maintenance for Buildings and Grounds.  He retired first in 2014 but returned to work a year later and finally officially retired in September of 2017.  He also worked several part time jobs over the years including Whitey's, Simonson's, a stumping business with Gary Brown, and for Keith's Lock and Key.  He was a very active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church serving as cantor for masses and funerals, in the adult choir, the small group "On Eagle's Wings", and with the Valley Chordsmen Barbershop Group.  He was a member of the East Grand Forks American Legion Post #157 and loved to golf whenever he could.

Rick is survived by his wife of 46 years, Elaine Werness of East Grand Forks, MN; daughters, Heather York and Jessica Guzman, both of East Grand Forks, MN; son, Darren (Tiffany) Werness of Fargo, ND; daughter-in-law, Dawn Werness of Roanoke, VA; 6 grandchildren, Ashley (Daniel), Samual, Jack, Jesse, Olivia, and Sydney; great-grandchild, Jeremy; brothers, Everett (Andree) Werness of Roanoke, VA; and Jerome (Dianne) Werness of Tea, SD; and brother-in-law, David (Bonnie) Kazmierczak of East Grand Forks, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Dodie Werness; son, Jeremy Werness; sister, Mary (George) Anderson; and mother and father in law, Leonard and Anna Kazmierczak; as well as several aunts and uncles and other extended family members.

Funeral Service:  10:30 am, Friday, June 29, 2018, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: One Hour Before Service

Inurnment:  Immediately following the service in Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN