Russell Norman Fossen

Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, MN 56003
507-388-2288

Russell Norman Fossen, 79, died Thursday, May 11, 2017 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 19, 2017 at Messiah Lutheran Church, North Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the church, and continues one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment at German Lake Lutheran Cemetery. 

Russell was born to Harry and Mary (Stofferahn) Fossen on March 12, 1938. He graduated from Mankato High School and joined the Navy in 1957. He served his country until 1961. Russell married Patricia Haseman in December of 1961, but they later divorced. He remarried Elaine Larson Ferguson on January 24, 1978.

Russell worked various jobs throughout his life. He worked for Continental Can, Midwest Electric, owned a restaurant, and drove truck over the road and dump truck for Roemhildt Excavating as well.

Russell enjoyed bowling, hunting, drawing, painting, playing cards, and woodworking.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of North Mankato, MN; daughters, Kari (Troy) Nowicki of Chaska, MN and Lori (Tim) Jaeger of Mankato, MN; sons, Steven (Nicole Martin) Hetland of St. Peter, MN and Todd (Marci) Ferguson of North Mankato, MN; brothers, Gordon (Ruth) Fossen of Milwaukee, WI and Kenny (Rosie) Fossen of Hastings, MN; brother-in-law, Richard Johnson of Fridley, MN; sisters-in-law, Millie Fossen of Mankato, MN and Helen Larson of Burtrum, MN; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; two sisters; and one great-granddaughter.