Frederick Leo Gossman, 96, of Rapid City passed away peacefully on August 8, 2021.

Fred was born in Bridgewater, SD on June 7, 1925 to John and Lorena Gossman and was the eldest of ten siblings. After graduating from high school, Fred was inducted into the US Army and served in WWII. Following his military service, he attended Augustana College and received his BA in Education. He later obtained his master's degree in counseling from SDSU. Fred started his profession in education in eastern South Dakota but spent most of his career at North Junior High School in Rapid City teaching math and science. He later transitioned to an elementary counselor for various schools in the Rapid City School District. Another career path he relished was his summertime employment with Black Hills Gray Lines driving tour busses and acting as a tour guide. He took great pleasure sharing the splendors of the Black Hills with the many visitors he encountered.

Fred was united in marriage to Rita Fahy on August 23, 1948 and they would have celebrated their 73 ^rd anniversary this month. To this union, eight children were born. The couple moved to Rapid City in 1957 where they have resided since. He had a gentle nature, a ready smile, and was the rock of the Gossman clan. He was devoted to his family and was an exceptional caregiver to Rita throughout his lifetime.

Fred loved living in the beautiful Black Hills and in the early 1980's the couple bought an acreage of land near Nemo where he built his dream cabin. He devoted his life to make this special place his home and took exceptional pride in maintaining this property. He loved to entertain his family and many special memories were made at the cabin. In addition, he loved gardening, bird watching, fantasy football, and his forever favorite team – the Dodgers. He was fortunate to see them play a World Series game in 2017 at the age of 92. Fred was a devout Catholic and served as a longtime lector at Blessed Sacrament Church and his rosary was never far from his side.

Fred is survived by his wife Rita, sons: Tim (Peggy), Steve (Debe), Jack (Carol) and Fred; and daughters: Kathy (Tim) Gusso, Teresa (Jim) Hedrickson, and Nancy (Michael) Swope; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Barb, Joyce, Rose, and Pat; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary, parents, brother Paul, and sisters: Marilyn, Rita, Betty, and Luella.

Visitation will be 9:00 am to 10:00 am Tuesday, August 17 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass will follow at 10:00 am.

Burial with Military Honors will be at 1:00 pm at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.