John M. Fossoy

John Melvin Fossoy, 85, passed away on September 3, 2013 and is now at peace with the Lord.
He was born May 11, 1928 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Olaf and Faye (Page) Fossoy. In the fall of 1929, he and his parents moved to Meade County and spent that winter in a cabin with a sod roof. In the spring, they bought the Ensey quarter, which had a house with no electricity and they had to haul water. John spent his early years there. However, the closest school was 15 miles away so when John was 6 years old they moved back to Rapid City. He went to school at Garfield Elementary, and then Coolidge Junior High School. In 1940-41 they moved to the farm north and east of Rapid City. John graduated from Rapid City High School in 1946.
He joined the Army Air Force and went to basic training in San Antonio, Texas. Then he went to a series of schools for Airplane Engine Mechanic, P51 training and Instrument Specialist. When he went overseas during the occupation (SCAP), his first stop was Guam for about a month, followed by Naha, Okinawa, and then Tachikawa, Japan, which was his home base. There he was a flight line instrument specialist. He also worked on gliders at Kisarazu. At Naha, Okinawa he helped to assemble the first jet airplanes that came to Japan.
While he scored high enough on the AGCT to get into Officers Candidate School, he did not want to be an officer. John was discharged in March/April 1949 and came home to South Dakota, where he did ranch work (300- 400 head of cattle) at the pay rate of $8 per day.
In 1953 he went to work for Peter Kiewit and did a number of things, such as oiler, mechanic, welder, and truck driver. He took part in the building of the Minuteman sites. In 1969 he went to work for L.G. Everist as a welder and mechanic. In September of 1978 Pete Lien bought out L.G. Everist. He continued working at Pete Lien's until his retirement in February 1990.
John married Carroll Catherine Cayler on June 17, 1956 in Hermosa, South Dakota. He built them a house near his parents' farm, and they moved into the house in October 1956. They had four children over the next ten years. In addition to the mechanic work, he worked the ranch and they lived in the house until 1998, when they moved into Rapid City.
John enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, RV camping and traveling. He said his wife, Carroll, was his best "fishing buddy". They traveled all over the US in their motor home. When not traveling, John and Carroll enjoyed walking at the mall, having coffee and visiting with friends.
John lovingly cared for Carroll during her 37 years of severe COPD. In February 2012 they moved into assisted living at Fairmont Grand in Rapid City. In April 2013 they moved to Good Samaritan Society in Fort Collins, Colorado to live near their oldest daughter.
He is survived by his daughters: Karla Fossoy (Eric Pabo) of Fort Collins, CO and Ann Fossoy Holloway of Nikiski, AK; his sons: Dan Fossoy (Gayle) of Independence, KS and Steven Fossoy (Rachel) of Beaverton, OR; 11 grandchildren: Nick Pabo, Catie Fossoy, David Holloway (Krista), Chad Holloway (Randee), Evan Holloway, Dylan Holloway, Taylor Holloway, Hunter Holloway, Natalie Fossoy, Fiona Fossoy and Conall Fossoy; 2 great-grandchildren: Josiah Holloway and Bradlee Holloway.
He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Carroll (died June 25, 2013), his parents, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The memorial service will be at 11 am on Saturday, September 14th, at South Park United Church of Christ Church, 2201 Third Street, Rapid City, with Rev. Bruce Herrboldt officiating. A fellowship meal will follow at the church. Private inurnment will occur later at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Memory of John Fossoy to "Alzheimer's Association" and mailed to 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver CO 80203, or electronically at alz.org\co.