Helen Fossen

Helen Margaret (Magrite) Lyng Fossen, died Sunday, August 7, 2011, at the Pioneer Care Center in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, her residence of 13 years, at the age of 100 years, 5 months, and 13 days. She was born on the family farm in Aurdal Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota on February 25, 1911. Helen’s father provided her the opportunity to attend Nurse’s Training at Wright’s Memorial Hospital in Fergus Falls. She married Joseph Fossen in 1936 and they worked the family farm until his death in 1978. Preceding her in death were her parents, Jacob and Bena (Hallan) Lyng; an infant sister, Magrite; an infant brother, Johannes Bernhof; a brother Jean and wife Martha; and a brother Harold and beloved sister-in-law Alice. Helen’s father was born in Norway. Throughout the years she enjoyed visits from Norwegian relatives. These visitors were all impressed with her ability to converse in their native language. Helen is survived by two nieces (Harold’s daughters): Rebecca (Thomas) Dowzak of Minneapolis, and Melanie (Kevin) Crowley of Pennock; and five grand nieces and nephews: Jennifer and Aaron Dowzak, Alicia Shepard, and Ryan and Evan Anderson; and a goddaughter, Stacy (Anderson) Boese. Funeral services will be held at Aurdal Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls, on Friday, August 12, 2011, at 11 a.m. with Pastor James Amspacher officiating, followed by interment in Aurdal Cemetery and luncheon in the church hall. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf.