Obituary of Loretta H. Fossum

Loretta H. Fossum, 86, Minnetonka MN, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2017. Loretta was born to Howard and Herviean Hunt in rural Westhope, ND, on August 30, 1930. She married Chester (Chet) Fossum at the “Little Brown Church in the Vale”, in Nashua, IA, on November 2, 1950. After their marriage, Loretta helped Chet as he continued his responsibilities of farming near Maxbass, ND until 1967, at which time they moved their family to Minot, ND. Loretta and Chet moved to Williston, ND in 1980. They moved to Beacon Hill Senior Living in Minnetonka, MN in 2012. In the early years of her marriage, Loretta was not only tasked with raising a family on the rural North Dakota plains, but also helping Chet with the numerous demands of the farming operation. During the frigid winters while Chet served in the North Dakota legislature, Loretta willingly tended the farm livestock and provided all things necessary for the family. There were many tough times, but Loretta cheerfully managed the details of family and household. She was committed to music lessons, after school activities and Sunday school for her children, each of which served to influence their adult lives. In her younger working years, Loretta served as a bookkeeper for several small businesses and organizations, including the neighborhood church in Williston, ND. Later in life, she enjoyed the time spent at the local Walmart, where she formed many lasting relationships as she graciously greeted customers at the front door. Loretta always remembered family and loved ones on birthdays and holidays with a card and special note. Her many poems and writings have become a living legacy to future generations. Nothing pleased her more than to share memories of life in conversation while putting a “Jigsaw Puzzle” together with her children and grandchildren. Flowers and gardening were Loretta’s specialty. She was often recognized, but never took enough credit for her many blooming African violets. She grew and nurtured them her entire life – even up to her very last days. Vegetables were always abundant from the oversized garden. Year after year, she willingly shared the proceeds with neighbors and families in need. Throughout her entire life, Loretta was known for her unselfish and loving commitment to others. Loretta is survived by son, Stanley (Dee) Fossum of Aurora, CO; son, Dean (Debra) Fossum of Reynolds, ND; daughter, Burdell Fossum of Plymouth, MN; son, Clyde (Rhonda) Fossum of Alpharetta, GA; son, Sheldon (Nancy) Fossum of Plymouth, MN; 10 Grandchildren, and 9 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Leon (Ramona) Nicholsen, Indianapolis, IN. She was preceded in death by husband Chester, daughter Twila, grandson Dustin and grandson-in-law Cameron (Rienk). There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life Service in her home state of North Dakota, of which the location and date is yet to be determined. For those details or directions please contact the family via email at… Loretta.Fossum@gmail.com