FOSSUM, Amy C. (Olson) 1910-2004

OLSON, CHRISTENSEN, FOSSUM, BERNSTEIN, ENGRAV

Posted By: D Cunningham (email)
Date: 3/9/2020 at 11:03:26

Amy Christina Fossum was born November 17, 1910, in Waukon, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Clara (Christensen) Olson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon. Amy graduated from Waukon High School in 1928 and attended Waukon Junior College where she took the Normal Training Curriculum. She taught in the rural schools of Allamakee County for five years.

On February 8, 1935, she married Harold Conrad Fossum at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon. They farmed together in Paint Creek Township for 25 years, with Amy active in the farming operation as well as busy raising their eight children. In 1963 they moved to Waukon where Amy worked as a cook at the Good Samaritan Center for 25 years.

She was a very active Christian Lady, a long-time member of Old West Paint Creek Lutheran Church where she held numerous offices in Ladies Aid and WELCA, taught Sunday School for 15 years, taught Bible School, worked on stewardship and quilting projects, and was involved in Bible studies.

Amy enjoyed music and liked to dance and played the piano. She also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and reading. She made it a point to make her home open and inviting to all family, friends, and visitors who were always welcome to her hospitality. She especially treasured times spent with her family and visiting with close friends.

Survivors include six sons, Thomas (Marj) of Papillion, Neb., Richard (Carol) of Dubuque, Iowa, Arlyn (Lois) of Waterville, Robert (Karen) and Jim (Kathy), both of Waukon, and Ron of Abilene, Texas; a daughter Esther (Richard) Bernstein of Thousand Oaks, Calif., 27 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a sister, Ruby Engrav of Decorah, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Norma Curran of Lansing, Iowa, and Thelma Holmes of La Crosse, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harold, who died in 1967; and a son, Leslie.