John "Jack" Edward Fossen

John “Jack” Edward Fossen, 85 of Aitkin died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin.  He was born June 29, 1939 in Aitkin the son of Arthur and Sarah (Lehman) Fossen. He grew up in Aitkin, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and graduated from Aitkin High School in 1957.  He attended Hamlin University and then earned a Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the professional pharmacy fraternity Phi Delta Chi.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air National Guard of Minnesota and the Reserve of the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1969.  Jack was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Ann MacGregor on November 30, 1963 in Aitkin where they raised their family. 

Jack worked as a pharmacist in Aitkin for Hanlon Drug, eventually opening his own store.  Jack formed a partnership with Bob Monroe in 1973, and together they owned and operated Village Drug until 1992.  Jack then worked at area pharmacies until retiring in 2018.  Throughout his life Jack loved to fish and hunt.  He also coached Little League Baseball, enjoyed caring for his yard, vacationing in the Florida Keys and going for walks around town almost every day.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty on May 29, 2013, parents Arthur and Sarah Fossen, Sister Kathleen (Andy) Anderson, brother Richard (Lou) Fossen.

Jack is survived by his children: Mary Ann (Erik) Vanstrum of Dellwood, Michael (Sheralee) Fossen of Cloquet and Megan (Gregg) Bartholomew of Minnetonka; Special family member Deb (Mac) McCaw;

Grandchildren: Molly (Luke) Ratgen, John Vanstrum, Emily Fossen, Jackson Fossen, Anna (Wyatt) Erickson, Gracie Bartholomew and Bennett Bartholomew;

Great Grandchildren: Weston and Frances Erickson and Johanna Ratgen;

Sister-in-law Lou Fossen and Brother-in-Law Robert MacGregor;

And many other special relatives and friends.  A heartfelt thanks to the great staff at Aicota Health Care Center and Moments Hospice who took great care of our Dad.

Funeral service will be 11:00am – Monday, March 31, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Private Family Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Aitkin. Military honors will be accorded by Aitkin American Legion Lee Post #86 and Aitkin VFW Roberts – Glad Post #1727.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  To leave a message of condolence please go to www.srtfuneral.com

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