Norman Fosness

Norman Victor Fosness, 87 of Fargo, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019 after a brief stay in Bethany Homes Fargo, with Elaine his wife of 62 years by his side. The son of Ole and Beret “Marie” (Roksvaag) Fosness, he entered this world during a dust storm at the family farm near Barton, ND on March 11, 1931. Norman the 7th of 11 children, was educated in the rural Norman #3 School, west of Barton, completing his eighth-grade education in June 1944. Norman was the prankster and instigator of the family starting at an early age with his siblings and this reputation stuck with him throughout his life. His playful and mischievous personality made many fond memories for all who knew him. As a young teenager, Norman went to work for farmers in the local area as a farm hand. On the farm growing up during these hard times Norman often dreamed of far-away exciting places. On Nov 29, 1948 Norman enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training he was shipped to Camp Wood Japan for Occupational Duty. When the Korean War broke out, his unit was rushed by aircraft to Korea. On July 5, 1950 he fought in the first battle of the Korean War called Task Force Smith. He remained on the front lines until he was wounded on Feb 14, 1951. After a period of recovery, on August 31, 1951 he received an honorable discharge from the army due to disability. For his service Norman was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Citation for Heroism, Korean Service Medal with four battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Meritorious Unit Emblem, United Nations Emblem, South Korean Presidential Unit Citation and The Task Force Smith Certificate of Valor. On June 5, 1956, Norman married Elaine Cushing of Bottineau ND. They were blessed with 3 children. In 1958 he moved the family to Fargo ND to work at Reed Cleaners. In 1959, Norman took a job with the Fargo Post Office, a few years later he transferred to the GSA as a custodial foreman for the Federal Buildings in Fargo, Grand Forks and other locations in North Dakota. During this time Norman was able to complete his education and on Dec. 10, 1970 he received his GED. He remained in government service for the next 27 years until he retired in 1986. Retiring from the federal service allowed Norman to focus his attention on his farm near Bottineau ND that he had begun operating in 1976 shortly before the 1980’s farm crisis began. The image of him on the tractor and combine will be forever etched in our memories. He continued farming until 1997. Norman was a true patriot. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), a member of the American Legion, 21st RCT Assoc. and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1968, he was selected to be the Commander of the Fargo Chapter of the DAV. Norman was known for having a kind heart and for helping others in their time of need. He routinely welcomed others to stay at his house for extended periods of time. Grateful friends and family would stop by to thank him for years to come. Norman was an avid hunter throughout his life and created many fond memories pursuing this passion. He enjoyed traveling, collecting coins and was a talented gardener growing things long after he retired from farming. Most of all he was a social person who loved going to reunions to see family and friends. Norman’s family would like to thank the Fargo VA hospital for the excellent care and compassion provided by their staff and Dr. Shashank Jolly from Sanford hospital. They would also like to thank April & James Walker, Arion & Rachel Poitra, Marcy & Paul Koppelman and their families for their love, care, kindness, and for always being there for him. A special thank you is extended to the younger family members. He enjoyed their visits, going to their events, and just teasing them. Their visits were very special for him and will forever be a memory for all. Norman was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Marie Fosness; 3 brothers, Harold, Peter, and Ole Jr.; 5 sisters, Virginia LaFleur, Gladys Isaacson, Lilly Olsen, Mae Metcalfe and Elsie Arends. Norman is survived by his wife Elaine, Fargo ND; his sons Keith (Sondra) of Issaquah, WA, Eugene (Jan) of Albuquerque NM and daughter Lisa (Dan) Sholl, Fargo; brother, Einar Fosness of Hobart, Washington; sister, Dorothy Gronvold of Butte, MT; 5 grandchildren Jon Fosness, Amanda (Scott) Michael, Alexandra Fosness, Sadie Sholl and Stephanie Fosness; 2 step-grandchildren, Gary (Ellie) Peterson and Kelsey (Tyler) Larson; 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. A Celebration of Life will be held at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center 123 10th St. S., Fargo; Sunday March 10, 2019 at 2 PM with visitation starting at 1 PM. Burial will be at the West Barton Cemetery, Barton North Dakota at a future date.