Charles Henry Foos

Charles Henry Foos

Charles Henry Foos, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025. Born on July 21, 1935, to the late Elizabeth R. Rosendale and Charles C. Foos, Charles grew up in West Baltimore on Fulton Avenue. He attended Catholic grade school, continued his education at St. Charles College Seminary, and later graduated from Loyola College in Maryland with the Class of 1957. During college, he was a proud member of ROTC and the swim team. He later pursued postgraduate studies at the University of California. In October 1957, Charles married the love of his life, Patricia (Zulty) Foos. They celebrated 67 years of marriage and a life filled with love, family, and faith.

Charles served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960 and was later promoted to Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served for an additional eight years. He earned his Parachutist Badge and was deeply proud of his service, remaining a steadfast supporter of veteran events throughout his life.

In 1960, Charles began his professional career with United Airlines. Over the next 33 years, he held a variety of roles that took him around the world before retiring in 1993.

A devout Catholic, Charles was a longtime member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palatine, where he served faithfully as both an usher and Eucharistic minister. He joined the Knights of Columbus in 1969 through the Palatine Holy Ghost Council No. 4977, where he served as Grand Knight. His leadership continued at the state level, when he was elected Illinois State Deputy. He later rose to the international level of the Order, serving on the Knights of Columbus Board of Directors and ultimately as Supreme Secretary, one of the highest offices within the Supreme Council. He also led the Fourth Degree as Supreme Master, the top position in the Order’s patriotic arm. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Father McGivney Guild, promoting the cause for canonization of the Knights’ founder. Charles was also named a Knight of St. Gregory the Great, a papal honor bestowed by the Holy See in recognition of his outstanding service to the Church.

Charles served six years as Lieutenant of the North Central USA Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He treasured several pilgrimages to the Holy Land and found great peace attending retreats at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington. Among his greatest honors were personal meetings with Saint Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis.

Charles heart for service extended to The Special Olympics at the state, national, and international levels. He was a devoted pro-life advocate and a longtime supporter of the United Way in both his local community and Chicago. His patriotism and love for his country were evident in all he did. He spoke before the U.S. Congress advocating for greater respect for the American flag, a symbol he held in the highest regard.

In his later years, Charles took up woodcarving, a skill he passed on to others at Boy Scout camps. He was also a talented artist and a passionate gardener.

Above all, Charles was a devoted husband, father, and Granddad. He was immensely proud of his family and their accomplishments. He loved telling jokes, singing songs, and giving out heartfelt hugs. He never met a stranger and was extremely helpful and kind to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rita A. Jones, his brother Lawrence C. Foos, and his beloved daughter Renee M. Foos.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia C. Foos; children Carol L. (Don) Malzahn, Charles C.(Jasmine) Foos, Leslie A. (Doug) Hein, and Michael L. (Kacie) Foos; and grandchildren Grace Markwart, Christopher Hein, Jolie Foos, Zibby Foos, Alex Hein, Zachary Malzahn, Veronica Hein, Valerie Hein, and Frankie Foos.

The family would like to thank the compassionate nursing staff at JourneyCare Hospice and The Garlands Memory Care for their devoted attention to Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and Special Olympics - two causes close to Charles' heart.

Visitation Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3-8 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Funeral Monday, June 23, 2025, 9:30 AM from the funeral home to St. Theresa Catholic Church for Mass at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. For information call 847-359-8020 or visit Charles' memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com.