Josephine Gussmann Hegstad, 92, passed away October 6, 2017 while under Hospice care at Sheyenne Crossing, West Fargo, ND.

Josephine was the youngest of 6 children born to Frederick and Anna Gussmann in LaMoure County. She received a degree from Valley City Teachers College and taught elementary school at Oakes, Jamestown and Fargo, retiring in 1985. A world traveler, she also taught in Sitka, Alaska and Chaing Mai, Thailand.

In 1982 Josephine married Earl Hegstad and they lived in Fargo. During their retirement they adopted a Shih Tzu named Buddy who soon became a source of delight, pride and companionship. When it came time for Earl to move into long term care, Josephine and Buddy visited him every day. After Earl’s passing, Buddy was a great comfort to Jo.

In 2009, Josephine moved to Sheyenne Crossing, first in assisted living, then memory care and finally skilled nursing. She was preceded in death by her parents; all her siblings; her husband, Earl and her dog, Buddy. She is survived by a stepson, Gerard Hegstad (Loretta); step- grandchildren, Justin (Karin) Hegstad, Holly (David) Gulland and Mary Beth Hegstad, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of the Red River Valley.