Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Donald.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Donald James Fossum
Donald James Fossum, Frederic, died Jan. 5, 2007. He was 78 years old. He was born on Dec. 13, 1928, to John and Emma Fossum. Donald attended the Frederic Grade and High School and graduated from Frederic High School in the class of 1947. Donald went to work in the carpentry trade after graduation following in the Fossum skills in carpentry and cabinet building. Donald served in the U.S. Army military entering duty in March, 1951, and served active duty for 1 year and 11 months. When Donald came home from service, he went to the Twin Cities for employment as a carpenter. He joined the Carpenters Union and found a good employer. After several years of living in the Cities and coming home each weekend, Donald wanted to get back to working in the Frederic territory, so he left his employment and started his own construction company, Fossum Construction. He started building a house and got jobs to build more houses, garages and remodeling jobs. His construction company became very successful and he found a need to have a partner who had architectural training, was able to do job estimates, and additional management work. He chose Willy Holmberg as he had all the qualifications he needed, and they made a good team. Donald’s life changed when he acquired Parkinsons disease, and each year his health deteriorated more until he had to retire. At first, Donald was very depressed. He missed his work very much. Donald found ways to keep himself busy — he spent a lot of time at the Assembly of God Church doing fixing and starting new projects for the church and parsonage. Donald also spent quite a bit of time at the Frederic Senior Center. Donald called it "Wrinkle City" — he was the fix-it person there too. On Oct. 13, 1998, Donald had surgery on his shoulder and entered the Capeside Cove Nursing Home and remained there till his death. Funeral services were held at the Siren Assembly of God Church on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007. Pallbearers were members of the Siren Assembly of God board. Music was by the Assembly of God music department. Interment was at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Frederic
