Richard (Dick) Fossen, Sr., 84 of Stevens Point passed away in his home May 29th, 2016.

Dick was born on June 23, 1932 in Aitkin, Minn., the son of Arthur and Sarah (Lehman) Fossen. He attended Aitkin area schools, and worked with his dad at the Telephone Co. He graduated from Aitkin High School in 1950. That fall, he and a friend set off in an old Chevy on a cross-country journey to California to visit his sister and see the USA. He loved telling stories of their adventures out west, which inspired a lifelong love of travel.

Richard returned to the Midwest and attended the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. He worked various jobs in school, his favorite position was working as a page for the Minnesota State Legislature in St. Paul. Upon a return visit to his hometown area, he was introduced to Lois Nelson and found love at first sight. They were married June 19, 1954 in Crosby, Minn.

Dick graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1956, and was hired by Hardware Mutual Insurance Co. (later Sentry Insurance) in Stevens Point. The parents of three children, their years were filled with neighborhood gatherings and family outings.

Dick enjoyed 13 seasons coaching 8-12 year olds in Little League where he and his fellow coaches produced many championship teams. Dick was active in various church committees at St. Stanislaus (Holy Spirit Parish), and at Pacelli High School. He was involved in the very first Pacelli Panacea, and was an active volunteer throughout their children’s high school years.

Upon retirement, Dick volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul for many years. His most rewarding experience was as a driver for the Lincoln Center where he loved getting to know his passengers and their “stories”. Dick and Lou were able to pursue their love of travel with favorite trips to Hawaii, (including a family 50th anniversary trip) and exploring the US. They wintered in Destin, Fla. where they spent 22 years amongst friends old and new.

They cherished times in Minocqua and Chicago with their children and grandchildren, and trips back to Minnesota to visit family and friends. Dick was an avid Packer fan, and he enjoyed golfing and bridge. He loved the strategy of a good game. A storyteller at heart, he would keep friends and family entertained with tales from the past. We have lost a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Sarah, and sister Kathleen Anderson; He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois; daughter, Nancy (Mark) Gross of Stevens Point; sons Rick (Nancy Brilowski) Fossen of Minocqua, Wis. and John (Bernadette Laszewski) Fossen of Glen Ellyn, Ill.; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Fossen of Aitkin, Minn. and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Rev. Thomas Lindner will officiate.

Burial will be in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:15 at the church before the Mass. Memorials can be made to Ministry Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com