SUPERIOR

G. Kenneth (Ken) Fossum, 90, a lifelong resident of Superior, died Saturday, February 13, 2010 at St. Mary's Medical Center Hospice, Duluth.

He was born March 4, 1919 in Superior, son of Gilbert and Clara (Heiberg) Fossum.

Ken graduated from Superior East High School in 1937. He worked as National Park Service Office Manager between 1938 and 1941 in the CCC camp developing Pattison State Park.

In 1941 he was joined in marriage to Maye Basterash, his beloved wife of 45 years.

In the same year he was employed as Office Clerk and Weigh Master at Berwind Coal Dock and Briquette Plant in Superior.

He entered the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre from 1943 to 1945.

After WWII Ken returned to Berwind Fuel Company, becoming Assistant Superintendent of the dock and briquette plant, and later Superintendent until it's closing in 1965. He worked as Office Manager for Zinmaster Baking Company until 1978 when he became the Douglas County Emergency Services Coordinator until his retirement in December, 1985.

Ken was active with the South Superior Civic Club in the 1950's, as Chairman of the South Superior kick-off parade for Superior's centennial in 1954, Chairman of the Civic Club's promotion of a new Bryant School, promoting Tower Avenue Christmas lighting in South Superior, and as a past member of the Superior Zoning Board of Appeals the rezoning of part of South Superior as a single family zone. He was Berwind Credit Union Treasurer, and a past board member of the Superior Community Credit Union (now, Superior Choice Credit Union). He also served as a treasurer of the Greenwood Cemetery Association. He was a life member of VFW Post 847 (now, 1091), a 63 year member of the FOE # 80, a life member and past president of the Duluth-Superior Harbor Club, and past member of United Commercial Travelers.

Ken participated in fundraising for the new Superior Senior Center, as well as participating in the center's Kazoo Band. He attended Faith United Methodist Church as well as the former Trinity United Methodist Church, serving as a choir member for many years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Gilbert; wife, Maye (1986); sister, Clarice Erkkila; brother-in-law, Rudolph Erkkila; and special friend, Gail O'Keefe (2003).

Survivors include his son, Maynard, Chicago, Illinois; cousins, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews across the country.

The visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior. The Reverend Barbara Certa-Werner of Faith United Methodist Church will officiate.

Following the service, everyone is invite to The Shack, 3301 Belknap Street, Superior, for a luncheon.

Private committal will take place at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.

Memorial gifts may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, Greenwood Cemetery Endowment Fund, or a charity of personal choice.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary's Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassion.

If you would like to send condolences or sign the online guest book, please visit www.downsfh.com.