Joel Michael Foster, 70, of DuBois died at home on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 after an extended illness. He was born July 7, 1943, the son of the late Lillian Johnson Foster and Joseph Foster. He married Karen Rhoades Foster on Aug., 25, 1973.
He was raised in Brockway, where he graduated from high school in 1961. He attended Clarion University and graduated with a degree in secondary science education.
While at Clarion, he was a member of Pi Gamma Mu, Science Honor Society and Theta Chi Fraternity. He taught science in the DuBois Area Schools for 35 years.
Prior to beginning his teaching career, he served in the U.S. Army from 1965 – 1967. During that time, he was a biology research assistant at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.
He excelled as a cyclist and for more than 30 years participated and placed in many amateur bike races. In 2000, he rode his bike across Colorado. For several years, he planned and organized the Brockway Fourth of July Star Spangled Bicycle Race.
He was an accomplished fly fisherman and casual hunter. He tied his own flies and sponsored a fly tying club at the DuBois High School. He loved to fish locally but also fished in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, New York, Maine and Canada.
He water skied, cross-country skied, canoed and kayaked. He enjoyed astronomy and on a clear night could be seen in his driveway searching the sky with his telescope. He liked playing chess and was an avid reader.
He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in DuBois and a past member of St. Tobias Catholic Church in Brockway. He supported such organizations as Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, Trout Unlimited, Ridgway Astronomy Club, the Elks and the National Rifle Association.
Most importantly, he was a wonderful son, husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Karen, he’s survived by his daughter, Joie Michele (Brent) Orr, his much adored grandchildren, Sydnee and Brendan of DuBois and his brother, Larry (Donna) Foster of Brockway. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, close relatives and many good friends.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home Inc., DuBois PA.
A military ritual service will be held at 9:15 a.m. Monday at the funeral home by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Kresinski as celebrant.
Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Full military honors will be accorded from the cemetery by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.
Memorial donations may be made to the DuBois Regional Medical Center Hospice Program, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA 15801 and or St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 25 Robinson St., DuBois, PA 15801 and or DuBois Area Catholic Schools, P.O. Box 567, DuBois, PA 15801.
Online condolences may be sent to www.gbfuneralhome.com.