- Date Of Birth: June 24, 1939
- Date Of Death: June 1, 2021
- State: Iowa
Roger Dean Foster, 81, passed away at his home on June 1st, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Marlene (Ryan) Foster, with whom he shared in 59 years of marriage; son Douglas Foster and wife Denise; daughter Angela Helgens and husband Brian; sister Shirley Bennett; as well as seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Anthony Foster.
Roger was born in Lucas County, Iowa to parents Iva and Gerald Foster. As a child, he moved between Chariton, Iowa; Detroit, Michigan; and Chicago, Illinois, ultimately graduating high school in Chariton. Roger attended what is now known as Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he earned a degree in accounting. His career included jobs in accounting, sales, and independent roofing. After retirement, he and Marlene enjoyed traveling the United States, with repeated trips to Branson, Missouri.
The hobbies that Roger enjoyed as a child persisted through his adulthood and were shared with his family, including hunting, fishing, and sprint cars (which was Marlene and Roger’s first date). He was a man whose bark was worse than his bite, as those who interacted with him would be quickly drawn into a conversation about geography, fishing, southern Iowa, or any possible common acquaintance. In a sea of Norwegians, he was the dash of dark hair, red pepper flakes, and controversy: a real thrill for the family. His grandchildren knew that he was the provider of a sympathetic hug or a warm meal, as well as the push to stand up for oneself followed by tales of past battles won. All in all, Roger’s warm smile will continue to be remembered, tucked into the hearts of those who loved him.
