- Date Of Birth: July 3, 1940
- Date Of Death: December 2, 2020
- State: Michigan
Robert Joseph Foster, known to most as Joe Foster, born on July 3, 1940 in Kalamazoo, MI, passed away December 2, 2020, due to complications of Covid. Son of the late Robert L. Foster and Pauline (Goretzka) Foster. Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years Mary (Mandigo) Foster of Paw Paw and children; Beth (Jim) Hill, granddaughters Madison and Katie Hill of Duxbury, MA, Laura Foster of Greenville, SC, Matt Foster of Portage MI.
He is also survived by 7 brothers and sisters; Phyllis (Jack) Schensul, Mike (Kim) Foster, Bernie Foster, Carol Phillips, Tom (Sue) Foster, Connie Grashorn, Patti (Tom) Shinners, brother-in-law Jerry (Jayne) Mandigo and many nieces and nephews. Growing up on the west side of Kalamazoo Joe shared a paper route with his brothers and caddied at the Kalamazoo Country Club. During his senior year, Joe was named to the Kalamazoo All-City and All Southwest Michigan football teams.
He also earned the distinction of being chosen as a member of the Michigan All -State team and was also inducted into the Hackett Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe graduated from St. Augustine High School class of 1958 and continued his education at Western Michigan University to graduate with a Bachelors Degree 1962. During college he worked at Sears where after graduation he became warehouse manager. In 1963 he joined the Air National Guard as a personnel specialist and served until 1969. Joe also worked at the opening of Fisher Body in Kalamazoo until he became Vice President and business partner of Doerr Truck Sales.
Joe was a charter member of Saint Catherine of Sienna Church and member of the Charlevoix Elks Lodge. After retirement Joe and Mary spent their winters in St Augustine FL and summers in Charlevoix MI entertaining friends and family, hosting many happy hours. Joe enjoyed boating on his classic boat, fishing and playing tennis. Joe was a devoted father and grandfather watching, cheering and coaching his family at many sporting events. Everyone will remember him for infectious laugh and always smiling.
