Karl A.D. Goss

A Tribute to a Loving Husband, Father, and Veteran

Early Years

Karl Goss was born on August 19th, 1936, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Henry and Martha Goss, both doctors, and had one older brother, Tom. He attended Shattuck High School, a military school in Faribault, Minnesota, where he excelled in math and science and was the student manager for two sports teams.

Military Career

After graduating from high school, Karl enrolled in the University of Arizona, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s degree in mathematics. He also joined the Air Force ROTC program and earned his commission as a second lieutenant. While attending college in Tucson, he met Eleanor Izlar (Mitzi) while ice skating. They married in 1960 and had two children: Jeffery (Laura) and Monica (Doran).

Karl served in the United States Air Force for 25 years. His flying career included piloting several different aircraft including C-124s, C-141s, B-52s, and O-2s, logging over 10,000 hours flight time. He was stationed in several places, including Utah, California, New Jersey, and exotic North Dakota. He also spent times overseas in Tachikawa, Japan, 1 year in Vietnam and Taipei, Taiwan. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and received several awards and commendations for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from the Air Force in 1985.

Academic Career

After retiring from the military, Karl pursued his love of teaching and mathematics. He leveraged his master's degree in mathematics from the University of Arizona and became an instructor at Pima Community College for over ten years. He taught various courses, such as, elementary algebra, college algebra, and trigonometry and inspired many students with his enthusiasm and knowledge.

Later Years

Karl enjoyed his retirement years with his family and friends. He loved attending U of A sporting events, traveling to pilot reunions and visiting family. He also tutored students in mathematics. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who always put his family first. He cared for his wife, Mitzi, for over 20 years after she recovered from a stroke. He also supported his brother, Tom, who battled esophageal cancer. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and courage.

Karl passed away peacefully on February 1st, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his son, Jeffery, his daughter, Monica, and his six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Mitzi, his parents, Henry and Martha, and his brother, Tom. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.