James Conrad Fodness

JAMES CONRAD FODNESS was born on September 24, 1940, to Emmitt and Tena (Buss) Fodness in Luverne, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm near Kenneth, Minnesota and attended country school near Hardwick, Minnesota. After completing his education he continued to work on the family farm until December 30, 1961 when he was united in marriage to Shirley Roth in Tyler, Minnesota. The two were married 23 years. During their years together they farmed their own farm near Hardwick. In 1983, the family moved into Luverne and Jim worked for Land O’Lakes until 1995. At that time he retired and continue to live in Luverne until he passed away peacefully on Monday, September 19, 2016 at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 25 days.

Jim was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was an amazing father and grandfather. His grandchildren stayed with him often and he was a great provider and mentor to them.

Jim is lovingly remembered by his three children, Tammy (Gary) Harskamp of Hudson, South Dakota, Troy Fodness of Luverne, and Jessica Fodness of Luverne; 11 grandchildren, Samantha Fodness, Melissa Fodness Boljtes, Alexia and Adrienne Boljtes, Chad and Chelsea Ykema, Maddie and Greg Harskamp, Cody Logen, Lee Harskamp, Jordan Almond, and Anthony and Natasha Malloy; one great-granddaughter, Aliyah Stoltenberg; four siblings, Chuck (Kathy) Fodness of Rushmore, Minnesota, Larry (Linda) Fodness of Edgerton, Minnesota, Barb Hellwinckel of Hardwick, and Ivagene Dvoracek of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt and Tena; his wife, Shirley; one sister-in-law, Casey Fodness; and two brothers-in-law, Sidney Dvoracek, and Larry Hellwinckel.