Mary Lou Fossum

Mankato Mortuary
507-388-2202

Mary Lou Fossum, age 74, of Mankato and formerly of Henderson was called peacefully to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Mankato Mortuary with a 4 p.m. prayer service. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in St. Clair, MN. Memorials are preferred to VINE Faith and Action.

Mary Lou was born September 29, 1937, to Merrill and Monica (Hodapp) Hoppe in Mapleton, MN. She grew up and graduated from St. Clair High School in St. Clair, MN. Mary Lou married her high school sweetheart, Robert Fossum on December 28, 1957.

Mary Lou had been employed at State Farm Ins., Nelson and Jones Law Office and the Henderson Independent along with enjoying working at Zinnia's Boutique in Waseca to help out her daughter. She was kept busy by her family, always finding something for her to alter, sew, create or fix along with attending many sporting events on behalf of her 8 grandchildren. Mary Lou also spent numerous hours quilting, socializing and volunteering. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato.

Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Fossum; three daughters, Christine (Mike) Thompson of St. Peter; Karen (Randy) Gibson of La Cresent; Tamie (Tim) Collins of Waseca; grandchildren, Rachael and Claire Thompson; Cole, Chad and Taylor Gibson; Betsie, Danni and Abby Collins; siblings, Robert (Judy) Hoppe; Diane Radtke; Gerald (Marge) Hoppe; Merrill (Gloria) Hoppe and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Merrill Hoppe and Monica and Larry Kramer.