Joe Foss

1954 - 2025

Joe T. Foss, age 70, of Clare, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the McLaren Central Michigan Hospital of Mt. Pleasant, surrounded by his loving family after a battle with cancer. On October 17, 1954, Joe was born the third son of Jack and Betty (House) Foss in Fairview, MI. He was a lifelong resident of Clare, and a graduate of the CHS Class of '72, where he excelled both academically and as a record-breaking member of the track team. While pursuing a degree at Mid Michigan Community College, Joe met and began dating Dawn Hildebrandt. The couple united in marriage on May 26, 1973, and spent the next 52 years building a life together. Over the years, Joe worked at the Clare County Road Commission, Seiscom, Brown Machine, and as a farmhand before becoming an employee of Huhtamaki in Coleman-where he worked for over 30 years.

Joe is survived by his wife Dawn Foss of Clare, children Jennifer (Donald) DeGroat of Lansing, MI, Janae (Kenneth McAllister) Foss of TN, and Joe (Sarah) Foss, Jr. of Belding, MI, grandchildren Wesley and Sidney Foss of Belding, and his mother Betty Hebner of Beaverton. Other survivors include his brothers John (Jana) Foss and Jerry Foss. Joe was preceded in death by his father Jack Foss, his brother James Foss, and his infant sister Joy Foss.

Those who knew Joe best would say he had a genuine curiosity for life and learning. He was always busy, whether it was working on his own projects or helping others by fixing a car, delivering a load of wood, or stacking a wagon load of hay. Joe was an acomplished outdoorsman in both hunting and fishing, and passed this passion on to his children and grandchildren. He was introduced to Viszlas as a child, and loved having these dogs by his side again as an empty nester. In his later years, he spent time tracking down, salvaging, tinkering with, restoring, and collecting many things related to Allis-Chalmers tractors. A highlight in his life was attending the "Gathering of the Orange" Allis-Chalmers tractor show and swap meet.

A funeral service in honor of Joe will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at God's Country Church (formerly Arthur Center Church of God) of Clare with Rev. Tim Watkins officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Arthur Township Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday the 25th from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home.
In honor of the excellent care he received from nursing staff at the Mt. Pleasant MyMichigan Infusion Center during his chemotherapy treatment, and in his final days at McLaren Central Michigan Hospital of Mt. Pleasant, the family is establishing a scholarship for nursing students attending Mid Michigan College. Contributions may be sent C/O Dawn Foss. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com