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Patrick Foster Obituary
Father Foster was born in Evansville, Ind., Oct. 5, 1930, the son of Loretta (Endress) and Andrew Foster. He attended elementary school at St. Mary Church in Evansville, then entered St. Meinrad Seminary in 1944, St. Meinrad, Ind.
He was ordained a priest May 25, 1956, and assigned pastor of St. Frances Xavier (The Old Cathedral) in Vincennes.
He was named pastor of Holy Name Church in Bloomfield in 1964. He served as pastor of St. John the Apostle Church in Evansville from 1967 to 1968, of St. Wendel Church in St. Wendel from 1968 to 1981 and of Holy Spirit Church in Evansville from 1981 to 1990. He also was administrator of Nativity Church in Evansville from 1990 to 1991.
Father Foster was appointed pastor of St. Joseph Church in Jasper on July 10, 1991, where he served until his retirement, March 3, 1999.
In addition to his parish responsibilities, Father Foster also taught at Vincennes University where he was chaplain for the Newman Campus Ministry.
He taught at St. Rose Academy in Vincennes and served as Superintendent of Catholic High Schools in Vincennes. He also taught at St. John High School in Loogootee. He was a spiritual director at St. Meinrad Seminary and was chaplain of Marian Day School in Evansville.
Along with other services to the diocese, he was a Diocesan Consultor and served several terms on the Priests Personnel Board. He was Priests Personnel Director from 1973 to 1979.
In 1974, he was the founder of the Permanent Diaconate program for the Diocese of Evansville and served as the programs director from 1974 to 1976.
He was Dean of the Evansville East Deanery in the 1980s and Dean of the Jasper Deanery in the 1990s. He was chaplain for the Knights of St. John and the Ladies Auxiliary; he was also chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Preceding him in death were two sisters, Margaret Menghini and Mary Dolores Baumgart and four brothers, Paul, William A. "Bud", Edward and Reverend John J. Foster.
He is survived by nieces and nephews and his friend and caregiver, Carol J. Drifka.
Visitation is scheduled Monday, April 13, in St. Louis, Mo.
Visitation and wake service will be 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at St. Joseph Church in Jasper, Ind.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, at St. Joseph Church in Jasper. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions to St. Anthony Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kutis South County Chapel in St. Louis (314) 894-4500.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Foster
Fr. Mallavarapu Sundar
April 23, 2009
May God grant you eternal rest and reward eternal life for your faithful ministry in His vineyard
Bobbie and Al Paxton
April 19, 2009
For a lot of my life, Father Pat has been part of my life. He was a friend of my family in Vincennes, IN, where we all shared lots of good times, whether hot dog roasts on the banks of the Wabash, quiet moments of talk and counsel, and the unforgettable moment on Jan' 25, 1964 when Fr. Pat brought Al into the Church. A couple of weeks later, he officiated at our wedding. We have kept in touch all these years, but during our time as full-time travelers, we reconnected with in-person visits in St.Louis. He would always be in a Cardinals shirt and ball cap and in good spirits. Still with that quick wit and ready opinions. He was a giant of a man in so many ways, will always be in our hearts and a significant part of our lives. Rest in peace, Father Pat. And blessings to Carol who took such good care of him.
Elaine Zimmer
April 14, 2009
I never thought the day would come when Fr. Pat would pass. He was such a pillar. A man I thought would live forever. Such a strong man with all the answers to make things better. What a wonderful intelligent man that God chose to spread the word. Peace to all who Fr. Pat has touched.
Ken Krasavage
April 13, 2009
Thank you, Father Foster, for your dedicated service to God's people.
Chris Grote
April 13, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shannon Bittinger
April 13, 2009
Father Pat Foster was the priest at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Evansville, IN) while I attended Holy Spirit School in the 80's. We loved Father Foster. He was so intelligent, he told great stories, and had an awesome presence. He also didn't tolerate any "sillyness" from those rowdy grade school boys. ;o) He made a great impact on a lot of lives and will be missed.
Judy Garvey
April 13, 2009
It's many years since I saw second cousin Pat Foster, yet I clearly recall his inspired outreach into the Evansville community during the late 60s and 70s. I also remember the great respect my Dad (Robert Garvey, son of Ottilia Endress and Maurice Garvey) had for Pat. And I can picture today the fun games Pat invented for the children at our Endress family reunions, along with leading our family singing. He was a gifted, kind, and loving man. My condolences to his nieces, nephews and to his friend and caregiver.
Paula Brokhage Hurtubise
April 12, 2009
A classmate from St. Rose Academy in Vincennes, IN sent me Father Foster's obituary. Two thoughts come to me as I think of him. One is about teachers, and I suppose it applies to priests as well: "They may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel." I feel joyful as I think of Father Pat Foster. The other thought is a quote from St. John of the Cross: "In the evening of our life, we will be judged on our love." I don't think Fr. Foster will have any trouble there.
Tera Barton-Kintner
April 12, 2009
Father Foster taught my mom at St Wendel and married my parents there in 1972 he also babtised me. Then when he moved to Holy Spirit he taught me there. He was a great man and will be missed
Shirley Kirk
April 12, 2009
Father Pat was a great friend and one of the finest men I have ever known. He taught my religion class at St. Rose Academy in Vincennes and made me write 3 pages from the bible for talking in class, not once but twice. He had a great sense of humor and was truly ahead of his time. I will miss his advice and guidance.
Jamee
April 12, 2009
My dearest Uncle Pat, you have been a special part of my life. I will always treasure all the times we spent together and all the wonderful ways you have blessed my life. You have meant the world to me. I miss you so much, it hurts. I love you.
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