October 18, 2024

Charles F. Foster

March 19, 1951 – October 12, 2024

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Charlie Foster passed away peacefully at home in Ann Arbor in the early morning of October 12th, 2024, at the age of 73, surrounded by his daughters after a year-long battle with Glioblastoma. Charlie was an amazing husband, father/father-in-law, grandfather, brother/brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, and will be missed by many.

Charlie was born on March 19th, 1951 in Ann Arbor, MI to Doris and Louis Foster. Ann Arbor was always home to Charlie and he enjoyed raising a family in Ann Arbor with the love of his life, Debbie. After graduating from Pioneer High School in 1969, he went on to achieve a degree in Printing from Ferris State University. While he had a great career in the printing industry, he also found joy in property management. He owned many properties in and around the city of Ann Arbor, including Liberty Car Wash in downtown Ann Arbor, which he loved for many years.

Charlie is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Debbie Foster; his daughters, Laura (Matt) Dorian, Angie (Brian) Cox, and Becky (Russ) O’Brien; six grandchildren, Zach Barnes (Merredith Zehnder), Nick Barnes, Jake Dorian, Ben Cox, Connor Dorian, and Owen Cox; his siblings, Suzanne (Dan) Wheeler, Maxine (Ron) Latocki; and his favorite brother, John Foster. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Louis Foster.

Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Charlie had a passion for his family’s history and often shared stories from the generations of ‘Foster’ family members who grew up in Ann Arbor before him. Charlie had an exceptional love for the University of Michigan football team and was a member of Zal Gaz Grotto in Ann Arbor since 1980 where he frequently visited and made lifelong friends.

If you were lucky enough to cruise the streets with him in his 1967 Pontiac, you might have heard one of the stories about which houses were built by his grandfather or great-grandfather, or he might have talked with you about many of the changes that were made to the city since he was a kid. Taking care of his Pontiac was a true joy of his, and he loved taking others for a ride. Charlie and Debbie were often seen in their ‘67 Pontiac in the Dexter Memorial Day Parade each year with their grandchildren which was a tradition they were a part of for many years.

Years ago Charlie and Debbie purchased a lakehouse in Gaylord, Michigan, to provide a place for them and their family to head north and spend quality time together. The lakehouse brought the family together on many occasions, and the time spent there created memories that will last a lifetime. Charlie and Debbie found joy in traveling north together, especially during the fall when they could enjoy the beautiful fall colors.

Charlie was a devoted husband, father, and the best grandfather to his six grandsons. His family is left with many wonderful memories including the love he has shown to his wife since she moved into a Memory Care Unit in Ann Arbor in 2019. His love and affection for his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and in-laws, will forever be treasured.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor MI 48103. Service will begin at noon with visitation held one hour before the service.