Fred D. Foster

Fred D. Foster was born April 3, 1918, and passed away peacefully on February 11, 2022, while in the care of the loving nurses of Valley West hospital in Sandwich, Illinois.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Carrie Decker and Fred Foster. Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Esther Ida Foster (Rahn) and their son, Allen Foster in 1962. A veteran of World War II, Fred served as a tech sergeant in the US Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He worked for Barber Green for 43 years in the engineering and procurement department and assisted numerous companies as a consultant after he retired.

Fred lived independently for a remarkable 103 years.  A 64-year resident of DeKalb, Fred took immense pride in his home that was built by his master carpenter father-in-law and brothers in law. He was an active leader in the community serving as: President of the YMCA and Chairman of the Board of Salvation Army and President and Chairman of the Building Committee of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dekalb. He was also active in various industry groups including serving as President of National Accountant's Association and Chairman of the Manufacturing Division of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.

An avid tennis player, Fred created many long-term friendships and healthy rivalries through the game.  Known for his love of entertainment, he was a wonderful cook heralded for his famous waffles, pancakes and pasta sauce. He cherished welcoming a wide variety of people into his home for meals and lively conversation in front of the fireplace. However, nothing was as important to Fred as hosting his family for whom these memories are filled with fun, great stories, and love.

Fred is survived by his daughter JoAnn (Don) Hays and son Keith (Beth) Foster, former daughter in law, Jan Foster and his grandchildren Grant (Gina) Hays, Geff (Kathy) Hays, Gerry (Angela) Hays, Aaron (Debra) Hays, Jamie (Michael) Kownas, Lauren (Bryan) Weatherly, Scott (Kestelle) Foster and eleven great grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Cremation was entrusted to Finch Crematory. Inurnment will take place later this summer at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb with military honors provided by the DeKalb American Legion Post #66. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.