Patricia Jean Fossum

Patricia Johnsrud Fossum was born on February 18, 1935, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Ed and Ruth Johnsrud. From an early age, she embodied determination, discipline, and quiet strength—qualities that would define a truly remarkable life. Known around the world in duathlon and triathlon circles, Pat was not just a competitor—she was the ultimate competitor, a formidable presence on any course, inspiring all who knew her with her grit, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

In December 2025, Pat was diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. She faced this final challenge the same way she approached every race—with courage, resilience, and unwavering resolve. The familiar sight of “the lady with the ponytail” running through Vaughn Road Park became a symbol of perseverance and inspiration to many. She ran her final race on April 11, 2026, passing peacefully with her family by her side.

Pat graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1953. After working numerous jobs over several summers to save for college, she earned a $100 early childhood education scholarship to Macalester College in Minnesota. In 1956, she graduated with a three-year B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education, taking advantage of a teacher shortage that allowed early graduation. Determined to complete her degree, she attended night school while teaching first grade in the suburbs of Minneapolis.

In 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Fossum, beginning a 66-year marriage filled with love, partnership, and shared adventure until his passing in 2024.

As a proud military spouse, Pat embraced a life of service and adaptability, traveling the world for 22 years. Their journey began at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan, where their son Scott was born. While there, and later in Tokyo at Fuchu Air Station, Pat built a civil service career, including work with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where she held a top-secret security clearance—an accomplishment she took great pride in. Ever generous, she also welcomed Japanese students into her home, teaching them English.

The family later moved to College Station, Texas, where their daughter Lynn was born while Jerry attended Texas A&M University. They continued on to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, where Pat taught kindergarten for five years, and then to Randolph Air Force Base in Texas in 1969.

In 1974, Pat and her family settled in Montgomery, Alabama—a place she would proudly call home for the rest of her life. She taught preschool at Gunter Air Force Station, earned her master’s degree in education from Auburn University at Montgomery, and went on to serve Montgomery Public Schools as an elementary teacher, including 18 years at Loveless Elementary School. Over her 38-year career, she shaped the lives of countless students with her discipline, energy, and encouragement. She retired from teaching in 1997.

Following retirement, Pat and her husband shared another passion—operating seven booths in the Eastbrook Flea Market and Antique Mall in Montgomery for more than 25 years. They built not just a business, but a community around their love of antiquing.

Fitness had always been part of Pat’s life—long before it became mainstream. In the late 1960s, she attended YMCA classes in leotards, and while in Texas, committed herself to rigorous routines that included exercise, sauna, and cold plunges. After moving to Alabama, she began running, and at the encouragement of her son, entered her first road race with the Montgomery Running Club at AUM. Her philosophy was simple and telling: “If you’re going to put in the effort, you might as well compete—and win.”

She soon added cycling, training with the Montgomery Bicycle Club, and then, encouraged again by her children, took up swimming—launching an extraordinary triathlon career. Pat became a formidable competitor on the state, national, and international stage.

She competed in her first Alabama Senior Olympics in 1990, qualifying for the National Senior Olympics, where she won countless medals. She went on to compete in her first Duathlon World Championship in 1993 in Arlington, Texas, and her first Triathlon World Championship in 1998 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over her remarkable career, she earned 7 gold, 13 silver, and 6 bronze world championship medals.

Her competitions took her across the globe—to Australia, England, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Newfoundland, Hawaii, and throughout the United States. She and her husband embraced these events as “vacations,” often saying, “It’s like a big reunion,” cherishing time with her Team USA teammates.

Even after battling and surviving breast cancer, Pat returned stronger—training harder and living by her belief: “It is never too late to start—start slow and go.” She was not only a champion in competition, but a source of inspiration to all who witnessed her determination and spirit.

In retirement, Pat remained deeply engaged in her community. She served on the State of Alabama Senior Olympics Board and remained active with local running and cycling clubs. She was also a member of the Retired Officers’ Women’s Club at Maxwell Air Force Base, the Power Squadron, and the Lake Martin Homeowners and Boat Owners Association. Another service passion was working on behalf of the local Republican women's organization for over a decade.

Pat found joy in antiquing, collecting, gardening, water sports—including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, and swimming—cooking wild game, traveling, and most of all, being surrounded by “good people.” Her life was defined by action, generosity, resilience, and connection.

Pat is survived by her children, Scott Fossum (Elvia Fossum) and Lynn Fossum (Annette Scogin).

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Montgomery Humane Society, the Joy to Life Foundation, or any cancer or diabetes-related organization in her memory.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her extraordinary life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama.