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9
October

Joseph “Joe” Foster

Rhody Family Funeral Home

Joseph Francis was born in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, January 28, 1942, to Cornelius and Josephine (Pflugelbauer) Foster. He was the middle son of three; Andre (1940), Joseph, and Louis (1943).  The Foster family regularly attended the Catholic church, travelling to town every Sunday by horse and buggy or by sleigh in winter. When quite young, the family relocated to Ontario and called the area around Kitchener home. Shortly after Joe graduated high school, the family had moved north to the Chesley area and eventually settled in the Hanover area.

While working as a mechanic at Bill Schopf’s garage his eyes settled upon a younger, cute woman by the name of Carole Anne Schoeck. By 1974 they were a couple and were married September 30, 1988, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hanover. Joe welcomed Carole’s two daughters, Michelle and Kristina, loving them as his own. Together he and Carole had a daughter, Krista (1974), and two boys, Steven (1976) and Michael (1983). As a family, they enjoyed camping in their motorhome.

After working as an employee for Bill Schopf, Joseph bought the garage, renaming it Joe’s Automotive Service before later selling this location to MacKinnon Ford. In the early 1970’s Joe built a new, bigger shop southeast of Hanover at the corner of Grey Rd. 28 and Knappville Rd. He and Carole built a new home on the adjacent property in the late 70’s and remained in this location until selling to the Kunkel’s in the early 90’s. After this sale he downsized and built a smaller shop by their home, where the couple remained until 2003. From there the Fosters relocated to Grey Road 3 (Old Bridge Road) and they lived there for eleven years or so. During this period, Joe continued to service many of his long-standing clients, all the while also working out at Grey Bruce Construction. He retired from construction in 2010. In 2013 the couple moved into Hanover and lived on 17th Avenue. They remained there for another eleven years, until 2022 when they downsized and moved into the Village in Hanover.

Joe was passionate about serving his community. He was an original member of the Hanover Lions Club, beginning in 1975, serving for roughly thirty years. Joe was also an avid member of the Hanover Knights of Columbus. Throughout his time in the service clubs, Joe and Carole were a part of the exchange student program. They had an exchange student from many different countries in the world, for fifteen years, eight weeks every summer. They enjoyed taking these students all over Bruce and Grey Counties to experience Canada.

It is easy to see that Joe loved to work. He also enjoyed working on Jigsaw puzzles, doing word searches, and playing solitaire and euchre. Ultimately, it was fishing that Joe enjoyed most in his downtime. Encountering adventures up north were highlights. On one fishing trip, the group brought lots of food, but realized they forgot to bring utensils. They got creative and ended up using different fishing lures as utensils for their meals! Being a mechanic it is easy to see that Joe also loved collecting old cars. Joe was not a fussy eater, enjoying everything he ate and drank, however, every meal was always better if it had potatoes! He enjoyed classic Country Western, especially Charley Pride. Together the couple’s favourite trip was on a cruise of the Trent-Severn waterway (by Peterborough) checking out the lock system. Joe’s faith always remained important to him. Reading books with religious content was a top priority. Joe volunteered at the church, helping with ushering and other duties. When the children were younger, they would attend Mass every Sunday, and go to his parents for brunch after Mass.

Joe passed away at Summit Place, Owen Sound on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in his 83rd year.

Beloved husband of Carole. Loving father of Michelle Myers of Neustadt, Kristina (Glen) Parsons of Walkerton, Krista (Paul) Minnich of St. Thomas, Steven (Carrie) Foster of Hanover, and Michael Foster (Tara Burns) of Allan Park. Cherished grandfather of 20 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 11.  He was predeceased by his brothers Louis and Andre and his parents Cornelius and Josephine (Pflugelbauer) Foster.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Church, 352 10th Ave, Hanover, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Interment in Hanover Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to CNIB or Holy Family Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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Bud Halpin
October 26, 2024

I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. A great fellow. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. May your treasured memories comfort you at this time. Sorry for your loss.

Bob & Marg Burrell
October 24, 2024

Carole & family sending our heartfelt sympathy to all at this difficult time ,may your fond memories help you in the days ahead.
Bob & Marg Burrell

Marylou Kormann
October 24, 2024

Steve, Mike and family. My deepest condolences to you and your families. I only met your Dad once…a big bear of a man with a happy smile, that said a lot. So sorry for your loss.

Jean Schnurr
October 16, 2024

My sympathy Carol & family, prayers always, I had to help @ The Light on Main on Wed.
Jean

Taylor steinhoff
October 15, 2024

My deepest condolences grandma, I’m sorry I will be unable to attend grandpas funeral but I’m sending my love and hugs your way.

Hope to see everyone soon ❤️

Therese Weiler
October 14, 2024

Hi Carole and Family ,you have Ron,s and my deepest condolences.we had many years of sharing and working together on many endeavors,Joe brought many spiritual blessings to all he met ,We have so many fond memories with you and your family.May God,s loving arms surround and comfort you,s during this time of loss.l know he will be rejoicing with all his Cursillo family who will be waiting with open arms to greet him.Sending hugs and prayers and blessings to carry you,s through 💗🙏.

Dan Brown
October 14, 2024

Hi Carole and family. I fondly remember Joe through Cursillo. I worked on team when he made his weekend and I worked with Joe, on team for several weekends. He always reflected God’s love, in his actions and will be missed. My prayers will be with you and the family. God Bless

Earl Spitzig
October 14, 2024

I give you my sympathy. I knew Joe from cursillo for many years. May he rest in peace!

Brenda Idella Hessel (Pegelo)
October 13, 2024

So Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, My sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.

Rita Grubb
October 13, 2024

Dear Mike & Tara & family
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad will be missed so much . Know that I am sending positive thoughts and prayers and a big hug for all of you.
love Rita

Doug and Marie McGilvray
October 12, 2024

Dear Carole and family,
Doug and I extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you. We have fond memories of Joe. Through the mercy of God, may he rejoice in the presence of his Lord and Saviour eternally.
Sincerely,
Marie and Doug McGilvray

Frank Gallant
October 12, 2024

I am sure Joe there is a place in heaven waiting for you, you were a good man who served the community and the church.

Al and Margaret Martin
October 11, 2024

Dear Carol and family. Our deepest condolence to you and your family.. I remember your children when they were smaller. God bless.

CHRIS C POLKIEWICZ
October 11, 2024

Sending my condolences on the passing of Joseph. Reading the obituary brought back many memories of the times we worked at digging out the front end alignment pit at Joe’s first garage after the doors closed for the day and listening to Charlie Pride. I remember the good times we had building your new house by the river. Joe was never one to shy away from new projects. Over the years we did several trips, one to the Grand Old Oprey in his convertible, and one out to the Maritime Provinces. He will be fondly remembered.

Leona Strub-Duff
October 11, 2024

So sorry to hear of the passing of Joseph Foster. The last of the 3 brothers. My condolences go out to Steve and the family at this time. He led an exciting life and I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. from the Joe Strub Family

Carol and Charlie Vallie
October 11, 2024

Carole and family,
Charlie and I were deeply sadden to hear of the passing of Joe. We have such fond memories of Joe and you.
We pray your faith will give you strength.
I came across this saying today “Words will not wipe away your tears and hugs may not ease your pain, but hold onto your memories because forever they will remain.”

You are in our heart and thoughts.

ron manto
October 11, 2024

Carol, Sorry to hear about Joe, he was a good friend to Mum Dad in past years0 a great guy who will be missed, thinking of you and the family


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