William Fossen

William "Bill" Douglas Fossen, age 67, of Lakota, ND passed away on June 11, 2011 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake, ND.

Bill was born in Lakota on February 22, 1944 , to Margaret (Beckman) and Henry Fossen. He grew up on the family farm just south of Lakota. He graduated from Lakota High School in 1962. Following high school, Bill joined the National Guard and attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton. Bill continued to farm along with his father, brothers and nephew, raising cattle and taking charge of the cultivating and swathing. Bill must have been blessed with a built-in GPS, as he instinctively drove some of the straightest swaths in the county. He also served on the Dodds Township Board. One of Bill's favorite pastimes was watching wildlife. He used to hunt deer, ducks and geese. He especially loved to feed and watch birds and deer in the farm yard, though he wasn't fond of coyotes coming around. Bill was always using his bird identification book. He kept a record of the birds he saw every spring and throughout the year for many years. His other main pastime was watching his satellite TV when he wasn't working in the fields or doing chores with the cattle. Bill also enjoyed keeping rabbits to show all the kids in the family. Bill had a subtle, witty sense of humor and big heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A special thanks to his brother-in-law, Randy Loeslie, and good friend, Roger Sateren, for helping Bill through is recently failing health.

Bill is survived by his brother, Glenn (Diane) Fossen of Lakota, sister, Jeanne Flint of Fargo, brother, Robert "Bob" Fossen of Fargo, and sister, Joanne (Randy) Loeslie of Grand Forks. He is also survived by his aunt, Ethel (Mike) Beckman of Shreveport, LA, uncle, Ted Fossen of Lakota, nephew, Travis (Erin) Fossen of Lakota, and five nieces, Brenda (Paul) Kadrmas of Bismarck, Jodie Flint (fiancé Matt Vannelli) of Rochester, MN, Katie Flint of Grand Forks, Jamy (Ryan) Shirek of Lakota, and Nicole (Mitchell) Kannel of Spring Valley, WI, as well as eight great nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill's Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Mary, Lakota, ND, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John Aerts. Music will be provided by the St. Mary Church Choir, Barbara Johnson is the organist. Interment will be at the Lakota Cemetery . The casketbearers will be Randy Loeslie, Roger Sateren, Randy Ward, Norris Bjorge, George Miller, and Ray Schuh. Military Honors will be accorded by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, on Tuesday, beginning at 5:00p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass.