Elmer Eugene (Gene) Foss, 78 of Culbertson, MT, passed away April 11, 2021, at his ranch outside on the land he loved. A visitation is scheduled for Friday, April 23rd, 2021, in Culbertson, MT, at The Grace & Peace Church from 12pm-4pm with the service to follow. An outside service will take place at the Lynde Cemetery on Saturday, June19th, 2021, at the same time as his wife’s, Marsha (Becker) Foss. Officiating, both services is Pastor Gretchen Wagner from Trinity Lutheran Church, Culbertson, MT.
Gene was born December, 15th, 1942, in Sidney MT. He was the youngest of 11 children & “finally” a boy after eight girls. His family lived on their ranch near Culbertson his whole life. He graduated from Sidney High School in 1960, where he was Sidney’s first All State Wrestler & played football. He attended college at MSU, in Bozeman, MT.
Gene was a true cowboy in every sense of the word. He loved his family, animals, land, friends, and neighbors. Gene wanted to share his cowboy life with the world, so he did just that, by hosting many cattle drives, with his wife, Marsha, on or near the ranch over many years. Foss Cattle Drives hosted hundreds of guests from 35 states and 10 countries from all over the world. Gene never met a stranger.
Gene has farmed and ranched full time from 1965 until the time of his passing, buying his own ranch in 1972. He was very involved in his community as a 4-H Leader, founding director of Charlie Creek Jaycees, Sidney Elks member and president, Culbertson Saddle Club director for 12 years and president, Culbertson Farmers Elevator president and chairman of the board and member of the Lions Club, Culbertson Museum, Lynde Cemetery, and Thrashers Association. Gene also owned and operated Foss Rocks with his grandson, Chase, where they hauled scoria.
The pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, who fondly called him “Grandpa with the Mustache” Chase, Kourtney, and Jacob. He always said he was so proud of them. He and his wife Marsha, raised Chase, from Elementary School through graduation of High School.
Survived by his children, Michelle Foss, Sidney, MT, and Russell (Paula) Foss, Billings, MT. Step children Christy (Mark) Kleinwaechter, Dickinson, ND, and Billy Norby (Sharon Hodges), Culbertson, MT. Grandchildren Chase Kilzer, Kourtney Kleinwaechter (Byren Tobar), Jacob Kleinwaechter, all of Dickinson, ND. Sisters, Shirley (Boyd) Hardy, Fairview, MT, Constance (Connie) (Allen) Thompson Anchorage, AK, Norma Foss Stockton, CA, and Mary Marie Taylor Bellingham, WA. Sister in laws, Brenda (Arden) Saunders, Hettinger, ND, Pam (Kelly) Wolf, Bettendorf, IA, JoAnn Foss and Janice Becker, Richardton, ND. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and pets.
Preceded in death by his adoring wife, just months ago, Marsha Foss, parents, Elmer and Dorothy Foss, siblings, infant Marjorie Jean, Winifred (Winnie) Clausen, child Peggy Hope, Kenneth Foss, Harry Foss, Mildred (Dolly) Angel, and Norman Foss.
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, MT, is caring for the family. Remembrances, condolences and pictures can be shared at www.fulkersons.com