Donald Fossum

Reverend Donald  Fossum

Donald Fossum was born on February 23, 1938 in Los Angeles, California. He lived with his mother, Trudy, and other relatives until age 4. During his elementary, middle, and high school years he lived with his father Gus, step mother Helen, and brother Curtis in Southern California.

Don graduated from Pacific Lutheran College ( later PLU) and Luther Jr. College, in Nebraska.  In 1961, he enrolled at Luther Theological Seminary. Don was a housefather where he meet Carol, a nurse working close by. Carol introduced the guy from Californian to ice skating, which ended in Don breaking his nose. Fortunately, their walking dates were more successful. Don and Carol married in September 1962 in Carol’s home town of Grafton, North Dakota. Their son, Randy was born and a few years later Don was ordained on July 4, 1965 at his home church in California.

Don accepted his first call as Assistant Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran church, Longview WA, where he served for 3 years and daughter, Sonja was born. His next call was to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood.  Daughter Becky was born while serving in Lynnwood for 7 years.  In 1975, Don accepted a call to Christ Lutheran Church in  Belfair, WA and served for 25 years.  His last pastoral work was at the Southwestern WA Synod as the convention/assembly planning chairperson.

Throughout Don’s life he volunteered his time for many organizations: WA State Junior Golf Association, WIAA State Golf Tournament, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Association, Fire District Chaplain, Kiwanis, and volunteer reader/tutor at Belfair Elementary.

He shared his love of football with his children, watching Seahawk games on Sunday after church. He officiated one WA State High School Football championship at the Tacoma Dome. He spent many hours playing and watching golf while living at Lake Land Village. Both Randy and Becky are Golf Professionals and Don loved to caddie for them.

Don enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren, Eric, Gabe and Jessica. He was an active grandfather and watched many activities while cheering loudly from the sidelines.

Don shared his faith with his family with nightly devotions after dinner. He was a loving husband, father, friend, and pastor. His calm, kind, and unassuming demeanor allowed him to serve God in a variety of places. He cared deeply for the people of God he encountered.

Don is survived by his wife Carol, son Randy ( wife Karen, grandson, Gabe), daughter Sonja  (husband Kevin and grandchildren Eric and Jessica ), daughter Becky, brother Curtis (wife Sue and nephews Matthew and Joseph), and several cousins.

The family suggests any memorial gifts be given to: Southwestern WA Synod.