William Dean Foster, Sr.

William Foster Sr., 93, of Keeler passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020, in Dowagiac.

Bill entered the world on Nov. 9, 1926, in Benton Harbor. He was the son of Dean and Ruth Meachum Foster of Hartford.

Bill graduated from Dowagiac Union High School and completed an agricultural short course from Michigan State University. He learned the basics of farming through the family farm, and began his own farming career raising strawberries. He was fortunate to find a dance partner that was a wonderful wife, as well as an excellent assistant with his farming business. Bill married Mary Watts on July 23, 1955. Not only did they go on to expand their farming business, but were blessed with five children: William Foster Jr., Timothy Foster (Nikki Bisnett), Joseph Foster (Terrie), Catherine Rawson (David) and Jeffrey Foster (Tony Villasenor). Bill is also survived by grandchildren: Aric Foster (Miracle), Sara Clemm Von Hohenburg (Elmar), Allyse Foster (Ryan), Emily Price (David), Stefany Holland (Michael), Jacob Stecker, Ira Foster, Chad Rohacs (Nikki), Cara (Nick) Krug and Shawn Rawson (Kelly Guiette); and 14 great-grandchildren.

Bill continued to farm and drive truck through his later years, and was an active runner into his eighties. Bill always enjoyed music, dancing, traveling and being with people.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Foster; his parents, Dean and Ruth Foster; brother, Bob Foster; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Foster.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service in Bill’s honor will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Sacred Heart Church, Dowagiac. The service will be held in the outside pavilion to provide for social distancing. A dessert bar will follow.

Those wishing to honor Bill with a memorial contribution may do so to Sacred Heart of Mary Church Maintenance Fund, 51841 Leach Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.

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