FOSSUM, Adolph Clarence

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Thursday, December 8, 2011 - Adolph Clarence "Cac" Fossum May 3, 1920 — Dec. 5, 2011 Lt. Colonel Adolph Clarence "Cac" Fossum, of Lake Havasu City, a longtime officer in the U.S Army and retired college administrator, died Dec. 5, at Havasu Regional Medical Center. He was 91. Fossum, who retired from the U.S. Army Infantry on July 1, 1964 after nearly 22 years with the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions, was a highly decorated World War II and Korean War veteran and recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Fossum, of Norwegian descent, resided for 39 years in Kingman and Lake Havasu, where he was dean of student services and personnel and one of the founding fathers of Mohave Community College. He assisted in the school's expansion from Kingman to Lake Havasu after serving as associate registrar at Northern Arizona University. Before that, Fossum, who was born May 3, 1920, in Pequot, Minn., to Adolph Clarence Fossum and Manda C. Myhre, served as comptroller of Northwood Institute in Midland, Mich., and provost of the school's branch campus in West Baden, Ind. A member of the Lutheran faith, Fossum was a professor of military science and ran the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at Central Michigan University. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and also was an Eagle Boy Scout. He loved to play golf, travel, eat lutefisk and lefse, and share laughs and memories with his family. He was a member of numerous organizations, including the Retired Officers Club, the Eagles Club No. 1099 and the Lake Havasu Yacht Club. Fossum is survived by his daughter, Judith, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., her husband, Shannon Shaw, and their children, Sherilyn, Soan and Schaid; son, John, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and his children, John Jr., Stephen, Lauren and Kevin; son, James, of Lincoln City, Ore.; and Marjorie Kaufmann, of Lake Havasu, his soul mate of nearly 15 years. Preceding Fossum in death in April 1997 was his wife of 52 years, Donna Marie Lowen, 72; and his sister, Katherine, 95, in July 2011. In keeping with his wishes, there was a celebration of life with family, close relatives and friends. Interment will take place at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9401, 266 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, AZ., 86403. Please call 928-855-5374 to donate.