September 18, 2019

Henry Wisness

Henry Sigurd Wisness, 96, Bismarck, N.D., passed away Sept. 13, 2019.
Henry was born Aug. 29, 1923, to Andrew and Amelia Wisness in Keene, N.D., the youngest of their eight children. He attended school in Keene and at the age of 16 he left the homestead to attend college at North Dakota Agricultural School (NDSU), where he studied agriculture in the first year but decided engineering was more suited to him and graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He holds the North Dakota record for length of time being registered as a Professional Engineer.
Henry and Amy Swenson were both from western North Dakota but didn’t realize they were meant for each other until they both lived in Bismarck. They married May 14, 1949.
Henry worked as a land surveyor for Skaar Engineering in Bismarck for many years. He then worked for the ND Highway Department until retirement in 1988. He was the head of the secondary roads department. One of his proudest accomplishments was his involvement in the Rails to Trails Program.
Fishing and hunting were a large part of his life, bringing home lots of fish and game for Amy to cook for the family, not always appreciated by his kids. There were many other interests and organizations that benefited from his involvement; Toastmasters, Lions, bowling, square dancing with Amy and Sons of Norway. Both Henry and Amy were deeply involved in Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck. After retirement he and Amy used their RV and traveled the country.
He was well known for his quiet strength and love of jokes and riddles. He will be missed by all those who love him.
Henry is survived by his wife of 70 years, Amy; children, Judith (Tom) Schaffer, Delano, Minn.; Steven (Jan), Pasco, Wash.; Susan (Scott) Boehm, Bismarck; and William (Teri) Garden City, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his oldest sister, Emma Day.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Bismarck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
If you wish to leave the family a message of condolence please visit www.bismarckfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.

 

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