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In memory of

John D. "Johnny" Fosheim

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 in Sundance, Wyoming as a result of an automobile accident at the age of 57

John D. "Johnny" Fosheim was born on May 30, 1945, the son of Peter T. and Viola M.(Hand) Fosheim, in Midland, South Dakota. He grew up on the family ranch north of Midland. He attended his grade school years at Little Eagle School in northeast Haakon County. His 6th grade year his family moved into Midland, where he attended high school.

In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier for three years. After receiving his honorable discharge he moved back to the family ranch where he worked with his brothers.

Johnny was united in marriage to Judith D. Nemec on February 21, 1966 in Midland.

They made their home on the Linder’s place west of Midland until moving into town in 1971, at this time, he went to work for Erv’s Gas as a truck driver. In 1973, they purchased the gas business and renamed it Fosheim Oil Company. He was an Amoco Jobber and they owned and operated the business for twenty-four years.

In 1995, they purchased part of the Nemec Ranch where he worked until 1997. At this time he went to work on the Ralph D. Jones Ranch.

In 2001, he was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Triton Coal Company. He worked at the North Rochelle Mine near Wright, Wyoming until the time of his death. Johnny loved his job and talked freely about the big equipment he operated.

During his life, he was a member of the American Legion Post #143 of Midland, the Midland Volunteer Fire Department, and the Midland Commercial Club. Johnny served on the Town Board and served on the St. Williams Catholic Church Board. Johnny enjoyed camping, hunting, horseback riding, and four-wheeler riding. He was very family oriented and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Over the years, they opened their home to their nephew Larry McLaughlin, who lived with them for a time, and many foreign exchange students; Lorena Rust of Brazil, Pascale Roy Lafontaine of Quebec, Canada, Ida Lindholm of Norway, and Stephanie Van Oorschot of Germany.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife of thirty-seven years, Judy Fosheim of Midland; three sons Jacob Fosheim and his wife Wendy of Sundance, Wyoming; Patrick Fosheim of Midland, and Jared Fosheim and his wife Tracy of Midland; three daughters Tena Slovek and her husband Paul of Philip, Angela Doolittle and her husband Aaron of Midland; and Crystal Fosheim of Midland; eleven grandchildren, Casey, Heather and Sierra Slovek; Dakota, Shasta, Jesse, and Sheyanne "Shorty" Fosheim; Carissa and Thomas Doolittle; and Clayton and Kaitlyn Fosheim; four brothers Peter Fosheim and his wife Sylvia of Pierre, George Fosheim and his wife Jackie of Murdo, Joe Fosheim of Midland, and Vic Fosheim and his wife Carol of Midland; six sisters, Thelma Jean Schofield of Philip, Pauline Schofield and her husband Hank of Midland, Edith Schofield and her husband Martin of Evansville, Wyoming, Judy Gerig and her husband George of Sturgis, Tina Haug and her husband Orlyn of Aurora, Colorado, and Ruth Gassner and her husband Lou of Berthoud, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends, including his nephew Larry McLaughlin who lived with them for a time.

Johnny was preceded in death by one grandson, Jonathan Fosheim; his parents; two brothers Richard and Roger Fosheim; one brother-in-law Matthew V. Schofield; and one sister in-law Shirley Fosheim.

Visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at the St. William’s Catholic Church in Midland.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Midland High School Gym, with Father Tony Grossenburg as celebrant.

Interment was at the Midland Cemetery.

CELEBRANT
Father Tony Grossenburg

MUSIC
Robert Sheeley - Pianist
Louis & Brianna Gassner - Vocalists
"Here I Am Lord"
"The Dance"
"If Tomorrow Never Comes"
"Tears In Heaven"

ALTAR SERVERS
Chelsee Nemec - Paula Jones

USHERS
Scott Jones - Tory Fosheim
Wylie Schwalm - Kirby Schofield

PALLBEARERS
Casey Slovek - Tim Anderson
Matt Schofield - Chris Fosheim
Larry McLaughlin - Georgie Schofield

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
American Legion Post #143 of Midland

Perhaps you aren't ready yet to have to say goodbye…
Perhaps you thought of things you wish you said - well so have I.

For one thing, I would have told you not to worry about me…
I'm with the Lord in heaven now ~ You knew that's where I'd be.

I'm sorry that you're feeling sad, for I'm happy now…
I've asked the Lord to ease your hurt, It's hard at the beginning,

But I know you'll make it through…I hope it helps to know
That I'll be waiting for you.

Author Unknown

Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2003
Midland High School Gym in Midland

  • I love you Grandpa! ~ Shasta Lynn Fosheim 131 Crump RD (3/18/2003)
  • Was looking at my dad's obit and scrolled down and saw John's. I am so sorry for your loss. We remember him from the two years that Gary and I spent in Midland-one of the friendliest places we've known. Gary was the high school principal. Once again, we are sorry for your loss ~ Gary and Gloria Sims PO Box 17, Maynard, MN 56260 (3/18/2003)
  • Johnny opened his home to my father (Larry McLaughlin) and also offered me my first job. Working beside Johnny was more than an honor. His easy going attitude and good humor was (thankfully) welcomed when things seemed to be looking down. Johnny will most definitely be missed. ~ Joshua McLaughlin Blackhawk, SD (3/18/2003)
  • I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Carrie and Wes Mentele Bismarck, ND (3/18/2003)
  • We made it home Sunday nite, to find that the Boys took good care of the place. It seemed especially hard to say "Goodbye" to our "Uncle John" He was so special to so many people. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to all who knew and loved him, as we did. "God Bless" ~ Marvin and Lucy Schofield P.O. Box 953, Wright, WY 82732 (3/18/2003)
  • We are home again but still thinking of you all. Martin and Suzy got along fine without me but Suzy said she cried. I know we have all shed a lot of tears this past week as we said good-by to our beloved Johnny. His strength, his humor and his faith were a great example to us all. With love and prayers to you all. We will keep in touch. ~ Edith, Martin and Suzy Schofield Box 555, Evansville, WY 82636 (3/18/2003)
  • We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Nella and Donnie Love 140 Loma Linda Ln., Amarillo, TX 79118 (3/18/2003)
  • I understand what a great loss it is to lose a father... We are both so sorry for you loss. We wish we could be there for the funeral, but we cannot. Just know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Ronald and Trisha Larson 7906 Wilwood Lane, Toddville, IA 52341 (3/18/2003)
  • John will be deeply missed by everyone at North Rochelle. I will always remember his warm smile, friendly wave, but most of all the pride in his voice when he spoke of his family. God bless you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Heidi Uhrig Triton Coal Co. North Rochelle Mine (3/18/2003)
  • We are very sorry for your loss. We would like to come for the funeral and visit with everyone but we are in the process of moving on Monday. Les has been gone a lot with Tyson and is not home very often to help prepare for this move.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will visit during Easter though. If there is anything we can do from here, please let us know.
    Again, we are very sorry for your loss.

    Les and Jolene Nemec     ~ Les and Jolene Nemec 250 Courtyard Dr. Apt. 216, Dakota Dunes, SD 57049 (3/18/2003)
  • I am so sorry for you loss. I wish I could be there for the funeral, but I cannot. Angie, I remember when you were with me the whole time when my dad died. Jared, you have always been a wonderful friend to me. Just know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry. ~ Kathy Larson 438 39th St., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (3/18/2003)
  • We are very sorry for your loss of Johnny. He will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Lacy, Blake & Braden Puhlman Midland, SD (3/18/2003)
  • . ~ E.J. Engelhaupt Midland, SD (3/18/2003)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. ~ La Verne and Melody Songer P.O. Box 3 (3/18/2003)
  • We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. ~ Bruce and Lynn (Schofield) Dunker & Family Wall, SD (3/18/2003)
  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you Judy and your family at this very difficult time. Times like this are very difficult to understand and handle but with strength from the Lord and prayers from those of us that love you, you will be carried through. Because of the weather we most likely will not be able to be with you at this time. We will continue to hold you up before the Lord. Bob & Doris ~ Bob and Doris Sheeley Colorado City, Colorado (3/18/2003)