Jay Elmo Foss, age 85, of Austin, died Saturday morning, Feb. 28, 2004, at the Austin Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 27, 1919, in Siren, Wic., the son of Ole and Annie (Swensrud) Foss. He moved to London, Minn., as a child where he attended school and later graduated from Lyle High School in 1937. During World War II, Jay served with the United States Army with the anti aircraft artillery in Europe and Africa. After his discharge he returned to Minnesota where he farmed south of London until his retirement in 1975.

On Sept. 19, 1956, he was united in marriage to Myra (Sweet) Jacobson at the Little Brown Church at Nashua, Iowa. After retirement, they moved to Austin and spent their winters in Alamo, Texas. He enjoyed playing cards, reading, golfing and traveling.

Survivors include his wife, Myra Foss of Austin; three step-sons: Richard (Ellen) Jacobson of Tucson, Ariz., Wayne (Elaine) Jacobson of Wyoming, Minn., and Larry Jacobson of Belton, Mo.; two step-daughters: Bonnie (Leo) Bridley of Oakland,

and Myrnie (Stan) Freeth of Apple Valley, Calif.; 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; two brothers: Edward Foss of Glenville, and Archie (Delores) Foss of Albert Lea; one sister, Olga Beach of Dows, Iowa; five nieces and many other relatives and friends.

His parents; one brother, Lawrence; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 4,

at Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church, rural Glenville with the Rev. Jeff Wallager officiating. Burial with military honors by the American Legion Post 105 of Lyle will follow the service in London-Deer Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Worlein Funeral Home, Austin,

on Wednesday, March 3,from 5 to 7 p.m., and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorials are preferred to Deer Creek Valley Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.