Karl Frederic Foss, 93, of Clermont, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. He was born in Milwaukee, WI to the late J. Dewey and Elsie (Holthaus) Foss. Growing up, in his teenager years, Karl was an extraordinary sportswriter for his high school newspaper; a qualifying skill for this was typing. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a Journalism degree, he joined the U.S. Army. Destined for service in Korea and Japan, these few years were the highlights of his life. His typing skills kept him in administrative work far from the border and safe inside.  A most valued item that Karl brought back with him from his service overseas was the "Fuji stick," his reward for climbing Mount Fuji.

After the Army, The Pacific Stars and Stripes, the military newspaper for the South Pacific became his next job.  There were many twists and turns in his career path post Army. These included stints at the Chicago Tribune doing sports reporting; it was during this time that Karl earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. He also worked in public relations for Illinois Bell, Western Electric, and after 30+ years, retired from AT&T Orlando as a manager.

Karl enjoyed traveling and collecting maps along the way. One of the treasures he had was a map of the U.S. with a checkmark next to every county he had been to.  He was hoping to visit them all in his lifetime. Military history knowledge was his area of expertise and mystery reading was his relaxation. Karl liked to joke that he could predict the future since he had gotten what looked like the Rosetta Stone from a British Museum.

For 25 years or so, Karl had a weekly lunch with six of his friends. When asked at the restaurant, "Who are we waiting for?" He would chuckle and reply, "Six guys named Bob." And so, then it became "The Bob's Lunch" on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

Karl was a generous, accepting, kind man. He was an ordained deacon at the now closed Parkway Presbyterian Church, ARP and was currently a member of the New Life Presbyterian Church in Minneola. He had a quick wit, great insights and loved being left-handed. He loved gently, quietly and devotedly without any demands except love in return.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Hibbard; his son, Steven Peter Foss and wife Nancy and his daughter, Rebecca Jean Foss; his stepchildren: Leslie J. Graves, Jeffrey M. Hibbard and Paul Hibbard and wife Julie; his adored grandchildren: Lauren Hudgins and husband Matt, Brent Graves, Alexis Martin and husband Bryson, Andrew Hibbard and Simon Hibbard; his cherished great-grandchildren: Grayson and Gianna Hudgins, Cruz, Bliss and Blair Martin; his sister-in-law Marcelle Lynch; his nieces: Tracie Willis and husband Bob and Teri Ross along with many life-long friends.

In addition to his parents, and brother Peter Foss, Karl was predeceased by his first wife, Leona (Dohanik) Foss whom he cared for compassionately until her passing.

Karl will be deeply missed.

He left us better people.

We will see him again with Jesus.

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