Darryl D. Fossen

He was born on Dec. 30, 1949, in Hettinger, N.D., son of George and Rose (Hulm) Fossen. Darryl graduated from Hettinger High School in 1968.

Darryl served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era after being drafted in 1969. He was deployed to Germany and was honorably discharged in 1971. From there, he served in the Army National Guard until 1973.

On Dec. 3, 1977, Darryl married the former Gretchen Kaukola in Escanaba. They were blessed with 48 years of marriage and a son, Cory.

Darryl owned and operated Fossen Construction from 1997 until 2021, working various jobs prior.

Earlier in life, he enjoyed coaching the Hermansville Little League and the North County Babe Ruth. Darryl enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams: the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. But the most important part of his life was spending time with his family, both in North Dakota and Michigan, and attending his grandchildren’s events in Wisconsin.

He was an active member of St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville serving as a lector, altar server, and former parish council member. He is also a former member of the Thomas St. Onge Vietnam Veterans Chapter in Hermansville.

Among survivors include his wife, Gretchen Fossen of Hermansville; son Cory (Janel) Fossen of Green Bay, Wis.; grandchildren Cole and Elle Justman and Cooper and Landry Fossen; brother David Fossen of Windsor, Calif.; sister Gigi (Tim) Christensen of Rapid City, S.D.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, George and Rose, Darryl was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel Fossen; and sisters-in-law Marcia Fossen and Corinne Fossen.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old U.S. 2 and 41, Bark River. Military honors will follow the visitation at 10:30 a.m., with a prayer to conclude by the Rev. Benny Mathew. A Mass of Christian Burial will then take place at noon at St. Neumann Church in Hermansville. A meal will proceed the Mass in the church hall.

The family wants to extend special thanks to Dr. Shanon Montgomery, the nurses, and all staff at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Facility for the compassionate and excellent care given to Darryl. They also want to express their gratitude to Cindy and Rick Mick and Ken Giuliani for all their continuous help and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Hermansville Rescue Squad, W5468 First St., Hermansville, MI 49847; or to the Thomas St. Onge Vietnam Veterans Museum, W5793 Old U.S. 2 Road 43, Hermansville, MI 49847; St. John Neuman Church, N16150 Maple St., P.O. Box 135, Spalding, MI 49886; Altrusa Hospital House, 1116 E. Mason St., Green Bay, WI 54301; or a charity of one’s choice.

A message of condolence may be directed to the Fossen family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.