Michael Wayne Foss

Michael Wayne Foss, 77, of Menahga, MN passed away Monday, May sixth surrounded by family at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota. Michael (Mike) was born October 30st, 1946, to Romaine Sheire Foss and Louise May Foss (Jarvinen). Mike was an Army brat growing up in many parts of the world eventually graduating from Arlignton Lee Highschool in Arlington, VA in 1964. Thereafter Mike attended the University of Minnesota where he played baseball. In 1967 Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1969 after serving in Viet Nam. In 1972 Mike graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.S. degree in education and history, and later added coaching. In 1973 Mike was married to the love of his life Mary Anna (Frankot). They settled in Menahga where the raised two children. Over the years Mike worked at a wide range of jobs. He was an iron worker, a hospital orderly while attending BSU, raised cattle, was a great teacher and coach in Menahga, owned and operated Mike's Our Own Hardware, and worked as a rural letter carrier. In 1973 Mike and Mary Anna bought a house with property just outside of Menahga. Mike loved and managed his land. He cut trees for firewood, and made trails for walking, riding, and hunting. Deer season was bigger than Christmas for Mike. Baseball was his favorite sport although he followed all of them. He loved the Twins. Not only did he watch and cheer, but played it from childhood. When he returned to Menahga in 1973 he helped get the Menahga town team started. He was a talented player and later coach. Mike was a loyal friend who maintaned friendships for many years. He kept in touch with long personal letters each Christmas. After retirement he and his wife were able to travel the country and visit them. Mike is survived by his wife Mary Anna, son Samuel of Howard Lake, daughter Rachel of Wadena,and grandchildren Ryley and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Joseph Marjamaa, brothers-in-law Gary Frankot and Eldon Marjamaa. Instead of sending flowers to the family give some to your wife, husband, and children. Tell them you love them. Visit a friend and share a beer or doughnut. Plant a tree, a garden, or buy a plant and watch them grow. Donate to food shelf. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 1, 2024, at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.