Karl Lee Hossner, a long time resident of Colstrip, Montana, passed away on January 22, 2024, at the age of 73. Karl was born on June 7, 1950 during a snow storm to Earl and Yoland Hossner.. He was the first of their 6 children to be born in the hospital in Ashton, Idaho.
He had a great ear for music and would pick out songs on his brother Lynn’s guitar when he was barely as big as the guitar, so for Christmas, his father made him a guitar that would fit him. He and brother Lynn would play and sing at family gatherings, serenading their grandparents on their 50th wedding anniversary when Karl was 8. Lynn bought a banjo one summer and his parting words to his mother as he went out to work on the farm was “Don’t let that Karl mess with my banjo!”. He knew Karl would figure it out easier than he would.. Karl attended schools in Ashton where he was on the football team, a member of the ski club and on the Bear Gulch Ski Patrol. He played tenor saxophone in the school band. He played guitar and saxophone in a rock band called, “The Nightwalkers”. They played for dances all over Southeast Idaho. At the J.C.’s Battle of the Bands contest in Twin Falls, Idaho, he won the award for “Most Outstanding Musician”.
Karl attended the University of Idaho the fall semester after graduating from high school. By Christmas break he was sure his grades weren’t going to be what his parents were expecting, so upon returning to Moscow and taking his finals, with the aide of his sister Janet, he caught a plane to Hawaii where he lived with Janet working as a bus boy at the Hilton on the island of Maui by night, and at a car rental place by day. By spring, this experience had made his love for the farm even stronger than ever so he returned home. He spent a semester at Idaho State University but farming seemed to be his focus. He, father Earl and brother Larry ran the farm together raising grains, hay and certified seed potatoes.
He liked adventure so one fall after the fields were cleared, he and a friend made their way across the US and ended up in St. Petersburg, Florida. They worked at various jobs but he headed home come spring visiting old friends in Arkansas and family in Nebraska along the way. This was the early 70’s and his longish blonde hair got him pegged as a “hippy”so he didn’t tarry long,.
Karl married Brenda Kessler March 29, 1974. They were blessed with two children, Heather Lee and Joshua Earl who joined big sisters Chari and Donna. Heather and Josh would accompany Karl to the farm and liked nothing better than to be a part of whatever adventure was taking place each day. Heather was killed in a car accident along with her aunt Karen November 30, 1982. A few years later the family moved to Bozeman, Montana. While living there, Karl enrolled in Montana State University where he received his masters in business administration. He was one of the first to receive a certificate to work with certain computer programs.. While going to college he held various jobs. In 1994 he ran for county commissioner but wasn’t successful. The summer of ‘96 he and son Josh sprayed noxious weeds on Ted Turner’s ranch outside Bozeman. They had access to the beautiful mountains and he and Brenda would ride their horses on trail rides and campouts. He and Brenda divorced in 1996.
Karl moved to Helena where he taught business at a high school there. He met Patricia M. Hiwalker playing music along the streets by the capital building. Their love of music brought them together and they were married and moved to Lame Deer, Montana where Karl had procured a job teaching History and social studies at Lame Deer High School. Patricia passed away after 5 years of marriage. His technology certification and further training prepared him for an opening as director of technology, a position he held until his retirement.
Karl would travel to Arizona, Alaska, Florida and South Carolina, visiting his sisters. He also would take month long trips to the Philippines. He met Janelu Alegria. They were married February 18, 2011. Janelu was unable to get a visa at that time to come to the United States, so Karl returned to his job in Lame Deer, returning each year for a month visit. In the fall of 2012 Karl was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He flew to the Philippines and returned with Janelu and then received treatment. In October of 2012 their son Benjamin Karl was born. Janelu’s daughters Diana and Daniella joined them in Montana after 2 years. After retiring Karl enjoyed his time with family.
Karl is survived by his wife Janelu; Sons Joshua Hossner of Hauser, Idaho, and Benjamin Hossner, step-daughters Diana and Daniella Mandajoyan of Colstrip, Montana, Chari Milligan of Murphy, North Carolina, and Dawna Salter Farfan of Seal Beach, California; grandchildren Lancaster Hossner, Chloe Taylor, Brody Taylor, Nicholas Milligan, Brooke Milligan, Ian Venzon, and Kiah Venzon. He is survived by two sisters, Janet Mason of Ketchikan, Alaska and Diane Marzen of Aiken, South Carolina plus numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Heather Lee, grandson Cobi, and his three older brothers Larry, Lynn and Fred.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 AM
Monday January 29, 2024
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 AM
Monday January 29, 2024
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
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Kathy Bell says
I was so sorry to hear obout Karl. He’s been on my mind lately. I was going to call him, and see if he wanted to have lunch . He was a great (little) cousin. Prayers are with you and your family.
Jennifer Rowland (niece) says
I think fondly of Karl at family gatherings with his guitar. The song with the chorus, “Hey laudy, laudy, laudy” was always a favorite, especially when he put in your name and made a silly rhyme. God bless Janelu, Josh, Ben, and sisters Janet and Diane.
JoAnn Richards says
Visiting with Karl always made me happy. He always made me feel better for having seen him. My brothers and his brothers were great friends. I am sure the reunion with his brothers in Heaven was a grand affair. His parents were special people. They will welcome him with love. But, I am sure the reunion with Heather will be the happiest. I loved the Hossner family and Karl was pretty special. What a guy!!!
Kim and Linda Hossner says
Great attention to detail was taken to write this life sketch for Karl. It illustrates his versatility, his curiosity, his passion, and his love of family. We send our deepest condolences to his loved ones. He will be missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.
Nava Annette Reneau says
I’m sad to say goodby to you, Karl. We had many adventures and passed many hours together as friends. See ya later!
Nava Annette
Nava Annette Reneau says
To all of Karl’s friends and loved ones, I share in your sorrow. He will truly be missed. I am a better person for knowing him and he definitely brought happiness into my life. It will be difficult to be without him.
Love to all,
Nava Annette
George Birtic says
Karl was a great teacher, person and parent. I worked for several years with Karl at Lame Deer Public School. If I had questions about a computer I would ask Karl.
Sorry to hear that Karl had passed. He will be missed.
Karl rest at peace.
Brandi Spangler says
Karl, you were always so good to be. Thank you for always treating me with kindness and being so welcoming. I’ve always missed Thanksgivings with you and Pat…I cherish those memories.
Irene Nelson says
I’m sorry i hear of Karl’s passing. I got to know Karl when Lance was living with him. He was very supportive of the school and as an educator himself, we would discuss programs and share laughs about our experiences. For Karl’s family, may the love of God, family and friends support you during this difficult time.
Gina Badhorse says
I knew Karl from working at Lame Deer school. He was a one of kind person. He will be missed.
Chari Milligan says
My mom married Karl when he was only 22 and I was 12 and Dawna was 6. That was a tough situation for a young man. Instant family.
I was in heaven when Mom had Heather and Joshua. I was at the hospital for both deliveries. Heather was a mini-me and Joshua was a mini-Karl. I loved them so.
Karl was farming. I had many years being his right hand worker driving the truck beside the combine he was driving during potato harvest every year. Mom was famous for her cinnamon rolls for break. Those are good memories even though they were hard.
Karl supported me during my desire to ride horses in Endurance Rides and Rodeo Queen. I remember a time he was talking with the boys at the Imperial Club bragging about how fast my gelding was. The race was set. A few of the boys brought their horses out to Greentimber to race on a dirt road . The race ended with Karl coming over the hill on my gelding with none of the other horses in view. He won by a mile, or so. Great memory.
When I was driving , he told me to drive like he told me to not like he drove. We both drove fast. 🙂
I appreciated him letting me ski at Bear Gulch during the winters in Ashton. We had many snowmobile races. Karl did the best he could with us.
I don’t know what it means but.. he died on my birthday. I will always remember.
Hugs to all his family, especially my little brother, Joshua. XOXO