William "Bill" Charles Poss

William Charles Poss, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully, November 26, 2023, at the age of 88, under the compassionate care of SMP Health-St. Catherines South of Fargo, ND, and Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

William “Bill” was born to Herman and Adeline (Bunkowski) Poss on March 10, 1935, in Dunn Township, MN.  He was raised and attended school in the Pelican Rapids area.  Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He married Elaine Anderson on October 5, 1957, at Zion Lutheran Church on Franklin Lake.  Their union was blessed by 3 children and established their home in Moorhead, MN.  Bill spent his work career at the Minnesota State Highway Department for 38 years keeping the roads safe until his retirement in 1999. Bill was a hard worker, always willing to work on his vacation time … laid sod, hauled sugar beets and assisted son, Sheldon, in his cabinet business.

Bill was a quiet man with a gentle smile, who yearned for the simple life.    His joy was spending time on Lake Lizzie’s Poss Beach, entertaining family and friends. His passion was for his children and grandchildren where he kept the tubes inflated, gas in the boat, fishing rods ready, refreshments in the fridge and was always up for a good game of Whist or Horseshoe, and eventually built a retirement home there.  Las Vegas was a vacation destination for many years, when eventually time was split between there and Moorhead.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Elaine.  His legacy will continue to live on through his children, Cheryl (Harley) Haug of Moorhead, Sheldon (Phyllis) Poss of Fargo, and Shannon (John) Ysteboe of West Fargo; his 8 grandchildren whom by he will be missed dearly: Nichole (Anthony) Mastrud, Jessie (Nick) Massie, Jay Haug, Kayla (Adam) Ives, Brady Ysteboe, Taylor Poss, Landon (Paige) Poss and Noah Poss; and 8 great-grandchildren. Bill’s memory will be treasured by his surviving sisters, Jane (Earl) Trosvik, and Marion Maxwell, as well as sisters-in-law: Darlene Hendra, Janice Jordahl, Marcy Hamstad, and Louise Seim; brother-in-law Marlan Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill is reunited in eternal peace with his parents, in-laws William and Dorothy Anderson, brother Cecil Poss, sister Marjorie Olson, sisters-in-law Janice Poss and Norma Anderson; brothers-in-law Bob Olson , Gary Maxwell, Byron Hendra, Gary Seim, Jerry Hamstad, and Wally Anderson.

A celebration of William’s life will be held on Friday, January 5^th, 2024, at Larson’s Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, MN.   Visitation will be at 10 am and service following at 11 am.   

As we reflect on the life of William Poss, let us remember his unwavering love, his quiet spirit, and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.  May his soul find eternal rest, and may his memory live on in our hearts forever. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley or SMP-St. Catherines South.

Please keep William's family in your thoughts and prayers.