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Paul Foss Obituary
Paul Richard Foss, 91, of Inverness, Fla., passed away on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. He went peacefully, without pain, surrounded by family members.
He was born on March 15, 1931, in DeKalb, Ill., the son of Roy and Edith (White) Foss.
A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Paul was a lifelong educator and administrator, holding positions in Illinois, Michigan, and overseas in Libya, Colombia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Argentina. Over a span of decades, Paul impacted hundreds of lives – students, coworkers, friends, neighbors, and complete strangers. Towering over most people with his 6'7" frame, the gentle giant left a memorable impression on most everyone he met.
After retiring to Florida in 1998, Paul kept even busier volunteering with Hospice, the Citrus County Resource Center, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Although no longer working, he still enjoyed traveling the world. He played golf regularly with the BGA for at least 20 years, getting only a single hole-in-one the entire time!
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara (Schaus); a daughter Cindy (Greg) Harris of Eugene, Ore., a son-in-law Archie Tate of Eleva, Wis.; and two infant siblings.
Survivors include his partner of 21 years Kay Stegemann; children: Debbie Foss Tate of Eleva, Wis., Terry and JD Kessler of Olney, Ill., Brent Foss of DeForest, Wis., Sharyl (Arent) and Greg Mart, of Zeeland, Mich., and David Arent of Benton Harbor; 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a large extended stepfamily.
Donations may be directed to the Military Order of the Purple Heart at Aaron Weaver, Chapter 776 MOPH, P.O. Box 1345, Lecanto, Fla., in lieu of flowers.
A celebration of life will be from noon-3 p.m. on Dec. 6, at the Citrus Hills Garden Room. Another celebration will follow in DeKalb in early June.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Foss
Ernie & Sandy Rodriguez
November 15, 2024
It seems like yesterday that we were laughing and diving in the Red Sea.
Suzanne Carvajal
November 22, 2023
Paul was one of the most interesting people I knew.
With his world travel experience and having lived and taught in various schools, he could hold your attention forever. God Bless Kay for her strength to move on without losing that strong love for Paul.
Ernie Rodriguez
December 6, 2022
Our condolences to the Foss family from Sandy and me. I will always remember and treasure our legendary dive trip to the Red Sea.
Jim Zahn
December 5, 2022
It was an extreme pleasure and blessing for Sherry and I to have worked under Paul's leadership at the American school on the U.S. Consulate in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Paul's professionalism and sincere interest in doing things that were in the best interest of not only the students, but also the best interest of the staff, made for a very successful and effective instructional environment. Teachers always want to have a positive impact on the young lives sitting before them, and Paul helped create the environment that made this more possible. Thank you, Paul ..... and peace & blessings to the family.
Nina Doran
November 29, 2022
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
So very sorry for your loss.
Connie and Kip Shindeldecker
November 27, 2022
Dear Kay,
I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was a real friend to all who knew him. We have many fond memories. Sending hugs and prayers for you and Paul´s families.
Susan Neitzel
November 27, 2022
Oh Kay I am so very sorry to read about your loss and am praying for strength for you and your families.
Fred Herzog
November 23, 2022
Paul was a real friend. He taught and demonstrated to me what a real friend is and does. He was selfless, wise and understanding. His gift to me in passing will be my memory of who and what he was to me....My Friend.
My deepest sympathy to Kay and Paul's family.
RUTH Pataca
November 23, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barb Shipman
November 22, 2022
Dear Kay, Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Lean on your friends during these times. They will support you.
Lynda Hesseltine
November 22, 2022
Paul was a warm and welcoming person. Always willing to spread his friendship to all that he met. He called me his little sister for
many years, even though I am neither.
Although we haves moved back home to New York State, we will always have loving memories of our 20 or so year relationship with him and Kay.
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