KERMIT LEVI (LEE) FOSTER

Kermit Levi (Lee) Foster age 97, died of natural causes on November 1, 2021 at Pioneer Golden Estates. He was born at home to Frances (Frank) Foster and Luella Haas Foster on June 6, 1924 in Ithaca, Michigan. Lee attended Beechler Rural School about 1.5 miles from his home for grades 1- 8. Later he attended and graduated from Fulton High School, Class of 1943. Lee Foster met his soon to be wife Mary Magnus at the Hunters’ Ball in Harrison in the fall of 1945. At the dance, Dad gave her his senior card with his name and number. Several days later, she called him and they began dating. During this time, Lee attended MSU for a year and half studying criminal justice. They married on June 6, 1948 and were married for 72 years. Lee was known for his mechanical expertise. His brother Kendall and he owned a Sinclair service station in Ithaca. After his marriage to Mary, he worked for his father[1]in-law at Magnus Tractor Sales near Harrison, Michigan. He worked there until his retirement in 1981. He continued to work as a realtor for 8 more years and was successful selling real estate due to his many contacts through Magnus Tractor Sales.

    In addition to his parents, his brothers Kenneth, Keith and Kendall preceded him in death. He is survived by his children: Mary Barber and her husband Bruce of East Jordan, MI; Connie Sharrard of La Grande, OR; Kay Brown of Jackson, MI and David Foster of Coeur d’Alene, ID. In addition, there are 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Lee and Mary loved to travel and camp and toured a large number of national parks throughout the U.S. They also visited Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and New Zealand. They made numerous hunting and fishing trips to northern Michigan and Canada. Besides being an avid outdoorsman, Lee enjoyed playing cards, playing the guitar, singing, and woodworking. He was a lifetime member of the Clare Rod and Gun Club. Lee was friendly and outgoing. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and loved to tell stories.

 Keeping with Lee’s wishes a private family service will be held. A Celebration of Life to honor Lee and Mary will be held sometime in the spring of 2022. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations in memory of Lee may be made to the Wilhelm J. Magnus Center to go towards their automotive and construction programs. Make checks payable to Clare - Gladwin RESD, 4041 E. Mannsiding Rd., Clare, MI 48617. Please add Lee Fosters’s name in the memo line of the check so your contribution goes to the appropriate fund. Arrangements are being handled by the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com