Nellie Jean Fossum died Nov. 12, 2006 at her home in Poulsbo from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 94.

Fossum was born on June 12, 1912, in Twin Brooks, S.D., to John and Johanna (Reents) Kampen. She married Kenneth C. Fossum, her husband of 68 years, on July 6, 1935, in Britton, S.D. He preceded her in death in 2003.

Mrs. Fossum graduated in 1929 from Milbank High School (South Dakota). She moved to Bremerton in 1948.

During World War II, Mrs. Fossum served as a post mistress in Port Orchard. She also worked at Bremer’s department store in the gift wrapping department prior to becoming a homemaker.

Mrs. Fossum had a passion for sewing lovely clothing and she loved being creative in fashion and landscaping. Late in life she discovered joy in acrylic painting.

She is survived by her daughters Deanna (Gordon) Hansen of Tracyton and M. Karen “Tooter” (Dick) Clark of Buckley, Wash.; grandchildren Steve (Jody), Teresa (John), Ken, Pat, Brian (Carol) and David (Lori); great-grandchildren Erica, Michelle, Chad, Chris, Heather, Dalton, Alec, Hannah and Hunter; great-great-grandchildren Dylan and Lathan; and nephew Jon Kampen and niece Alice McFarland. Mrs. Fossum was preceded in death by her infant daughter Judy Ann, sister May Fangen and great-grandson Bradley Wheeler.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at Martha & Mary Health Care Services at 19160 Front St. N.E., Poulsbo. Memorial donations are asked for Martha & Mary Services, PO Box 127, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Inurnment will be at Milbank Cemetery in South Dakota. Arrangements by Lewis Funeral Chapel. An online memorial is available at www.lewischapel.com.