Gary W. Foster's Obituary
Gary W. Foster, 76, of Camanche passed away, Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at the Alverno.
Memorial Services are being planned for the spring of 2023. The Camanche Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Gary Wayne Foster was born on May 21, 1946 in Rego Park, New York, the son of Griffith and Mina (Gross) Foster. He was a graduate of Half Hallow Hills High School Dix Hills, New York excelling in athletics; wrestling, track and tennis. College brought him to Iowa. He graduated from Parsons College in 1967 and received his Masters from Northwest Missouri State. While attending Parsons he earned his varsity letters in both tennis and wrestling. His teammates also chose him as their tennis team captain. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Gottschalk in 1965. After getting his masters, they were offered numerous jobs, but when they arrived in Camanche and saw the beautiful tennis courts they knew they were home.
Gary was the guidance counselor at Camanche High School for 31 years from 1971 until his retirement in 2001. What he may be most remembered for was his tennis team’s long running successes. He proudly coached varsity boy's tennis for 32 years with Jeff Marsh as his assistant. In 1971 he took over the community’s summer tennis program, spending long days teaching both boys and girls. The program blossomed to the point where it got national recognition in USA TODAY magazine called Camanche "Tennis Town USA". In the book "Bernie Saggau & the Iowa Boys, The Centennial History of the Iowa High School Athletic Association", Gary was only one of two tennis coaches highlighted. His teams had a remarkable winning percentage of 85%, compiling a mark of 913-164. His teams earned nine state team championships, three state singles champions, five state doubles champions and numerous runner-ups. Gary was honored in Camanche’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame, as the Midwest Region Tennis Coach of the Year, several years and in 2003 was named the National High School Athletic Association's National Tennis Coach of the Year. He and Linda were honored late in life as the City’s Grand Marshalls, a recognition he greatly cherished and was humbled by. He loved coaching, his players and was thankful for the years of support he received from his students, their parents and the community as a whole.
Gary is survived by his wife: Linda of Camanche, three sons: Greg (Catherine) Foster of Massachusetts, and Gary (Colleen) Foster of Colorado and Russell Polner of Florida; four grandchildren; his sister: Judy (Rich) Enners of Tennessee and a brother-in-law: Robert Fitch of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Sandy, and a granddaughter: 2Lt. Cailin Foster.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Gary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gary?
Share a story where Gary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gary you’ll never forget.
How did Gary make you smile?