Frank E. Fosse

FRANK E. FOSSE - 1938-2022

A man of many words and many opinions. Frank E. Fosse, 83, of Cherry Valley, died at home on his own terms Thursday, January 6, 2022, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, after bravely refusing treatment for end stage emphysema.

Frank was born on April 13, 1938 in Rockford, IL to Klabert and Frances Fosse. As a child, Frank was in and out of hospitals, unable to walk. With his father’s persistence and his own determination, Frank overcame his disabilities at the age of 12. During his younger years, Frank lived in 6 different states, including his favorite, Indian Hill Ranch in Tehachapi, CA, where he was a cowboy and rancher. During his teens, he often helped out at his dad’s Grant Park Tavern on Kishwaukee St. and was adventurous and fearless while riding his Triumph motorcycle, taking road trips, and hanging out with friends. Spending time at his Grandpa and Grandma’s farm in Viola, WI was another treasured memory of his. He was a nature lover at heart.

At age 19, after making his way back to Rockford, Frank married his true love, Sydney A. Bursell, on March 1, 1958. Together, they had two girls, Nini and Penny. Later in life, they had three grandchildren, Lance, Nat, and Ben. Frank also had a special place in his heart for all of his dogs: Buckshot, Choke, Big Jake, and Little Jake.

In 1960, Frank became a machinist and co-owner of Cherry Valley Tool & Machine Company Inc. After retiring in 1976 at age 38 and buying his first rural property, he spent his days being a “gentleman farmer,” bailing hay and raising chickens and sheep, while practicing his photography on wildlife and scenery that resided in his favorite spot-the 50 acre woods behind his house. Frank loved collecting guns and coins, hunting, fishing, wood working, “tinkering,” chain sawing, splitting wood, gardening, driving his John Deere tractor-Maybell, digging up dirt with his backhoe-MudCat, farm sales, cruising around in his pickup, trips to Menards and Farm & Fleet, talk radio, and running off trespassers. He had unending wisdom and knowledge and the most generous heart. Always able to repair anything without fail and forever taking care of the ones he loved.

In March of 2017, Frank lost his wife, Sydney, to a long term illness from which his heart would never recover. After medical issues of his own, he could no longer do the physical outside work that he enjoyed so much. Instead, he would ride the trails around his property in his UTV, analyzing animal tracks and looking for fawns or beaver. Frank spent the rest of his time watching Fox Business Channel, and watching the stock market on his iPad. Mountain Men, Life Below Zero, Lone Star Law, and Last Man Standing were among his favorite shows. He also appreciated World War II documentaries and old Westerns with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

Frank was often referred to as “the last of a dying breed.” Honest, respectful, but rough around the edges. Always in jeans, boots, flannels, or cover-alls; never without his pocket knife, a hanky in his pocket and a cup of coffee in hand. He was a provider, thinker, hugger, fighter, bullshitter, prankster, story teller, and partner in crime to many. Frank always joked about his “get away money” and often said, “Everyone should have a little ‘kitty’ of money for a rainy day.” He was most proud of his family, often saying he had the best one anyone could ask for.

Frank’s memory and legacy will be carried on by daughters Anita (Dave) Tuula and Penelope Fosse; grandchildren Lance (Gina) Tuula, Natalie (Thomas) Durtschi, and Benjamin Tuula; great-grandchildren Sydney and Olivia, Emerson and Grayson, and Grace and Jackson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Frank was met in Heaven by his wife, Sydney (Bursell) Fosse; his parents Klabert “Frenchy” and Frances (Carpenter) Fosse; brother Wayne Fosse; in-laws Gustav and Grace Evelyn (Lamb) Bursell; son-in-law Dale Hjerpe, his beloved Grandpa Ralph Anderson and Grandma Grace (Kreps Carpenter) Anderson; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

At Frank’s request, no services will be held in his honor. In lieu of money/gifts, please donate in Frank’s name to Hoo Haven in Durand, IL or Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere, IL. He admired both organizations for their work rehabilitating injured or displaced wildlife. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.