James Sherman Fodness

James Sherman Fodness was born on September 15, 1921 to Jacob and Sella Christopherson Fodness in Moscow Township of Freeborn County. He grew up in the Oakland Township area. Jim worked on the family farm and lived with various relatives helping on their farms also. In 1940 he moved to Milwaukee and later that same year to El Segundo in the Los Angeles area and went to work for Douglas Aircraft. In 1943 he returned home and joined the Army Air Corps. Jim was united in marriage to Priscilla Loken on June 24, 1945 at the Oakland Midway Lutheran Church. He was honorably discharged in 1946, receiving the good conduct medal, among others. After his discharge Jim operated the Farm Labor Service Station for 8 years then went to work for Interstate Power Company as a fireman in the power plant. He remained there until his retirement in 1978 when they closed the plant. Jim was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Albert Lea Rod & Gun Club. Throughout his life Jim was an avid gardener, planting thousands of evergreens, large vegetable gardens, berry patches, and later, hostas. He had a great appreciation for nature and conservation. Jim was instrumental in re-introducing wild turkeys to Minnesota. He loved deer hunting up north and was also a carpenter and enjoyed making many bird houses. Jim was a kind and generous man who enriched the lives of everyone he met. Survivors include his 4 daughters, Linda and husband John Lawler of Kokomo, IN, Vicki and husband Jim Petersen of Mankato, MN, Shari Fodness of Minneapolis, MN, and Wendy Fodness of Glenville, MN; grandchildren, Erin and husband Jon-Eric Eliker of Kokomo, Sean and wife Jacalyn Lawler of South Carolina, Megan Lawler of IN, and Renn Fodness of Glenville; sisters, Annette Bond and Ruth Rauen, both of Austin; sisters-in-law, Eldora Bob Tandberg of Golden Valley, Opal Schallock of Albert Lea, and Avis Lehman of Northwood, IA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Priscilla; sisters, Gladys, Edna, Esther, Alice, and Mary; and brothers, Franklin, Marvin, Raymond, Harry and John.