Robert "Sonny" Dale Fosness

Robert Dale (Sonny) Fosness passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2020 in his home at Park South.

Sonny was born March 18, 1922 in Grand Forks and just celebrated his 98th birthday with family and friends.

His early life was spent in Forest River, ND. He was active in all school sports developing his love for all sports, especially baseball and golf. He played one season for the Grand Forks Chiefs, professional baseball team and was voted into the North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame, having won the super senior ND championship 3 years as well as many local championships.

Sonny graduated from UND with a degree in business, joined the Coast Guard stationed in NYC, and as he liked to say, protected our eastern border during WWII. While at UND, he met his wife Evelyn Mae Lund and they were married on Long Island Beach, May 23, 1946 while he was finishing his tour of duty. He then returned to live in Grand Forks while commuting to Forest River to take over the Fosness IH farm implement dealership from his father. As the small-town dealerships gave way to the larger dealerships, Sonny closed his business and spent more time golfing! He and his wife Lynn of 60 years loved dancing at the Elks and Legion Clubs.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife and daughter, Carol Thompson. He is survived by his son, Robin Fosness; grandchildren, Jana Wood, Robert Dale Morris, Thomas Fosness, Katherine Pautsch and great grandchildren, Zoe Morris, Jacob Fosness, Ian Fosness, Ari Fosness, Camden Fosness and Cora Pautsch.

Graveside services will take place later spring at Calvary North Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND.