Jerry was born the oldest of six kids on June 29, 1955, to Gerald and Rosella (Lillehaug) Fossen in Deadwood, SD. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1973. At a young age, he became a father figure to his siblings Robert, John, Jacque, Susan, and Kerry. In 1975, his family expanded when he met the love of his life, Laura. He became the amazing father to Todd, Sandy, and Bryana "Jojo."
Jerry had many passions in life. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan for many years and has stuck with them waiting for "the year." He was an incredible woodworker. He took pride in taking scraps of wood that others saw no value in and transforming them into wood masterpieces that he lovingly referred to as "just junk." His biggest passion in life was his family. He loved watching his four grandchildren, EmmahLeigh, Owen Cass, and Avery and Reese Marsicano grow up and play with the toys he made. He was a humble leader for the entire family, near and far, and enjoyed the simple things in life such as a random visit from a friend, sunrises to start his day, and Laura's homemade snickerdoodles. He taught his family how to appreciate what they had and not compare yourself to others. He taught them that you cannot control everything that happens, but you can stick together and make it through. Though he was a quiet man, he had a way of immediately connecting with others and becoming a friend from the start.
Jerry Lynn Fossen, 64, of Whitewood, SD, died Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.
Those who will deeply miss his quirkiness and kind heart are his wife of 43 years, Laura; his children, Todd Fossen, Spearfish, Sandy (Patrick) Cass, Sturgis, and Bryana "Jojo" (Nick) Marsicano, Canon City, CO; grandchildren, EmmahLeigh, Owen Cass, Avery and Reese Marsicano; his brothers, Robert, Chickasha OK, John (Renee), Minot, ND, and Kerry (Becky), Sundance, WY; his sister, Susan (Steve) Tucker, Newell, SD; his loving in-laws in Montana; and various nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were held close to his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jacque Sargent.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Whitewood.
A memorial can be made to Spearfish Peaks Special Olympics. To honor Jerry's memory, please make sure you exercise your right to vote.

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