Edward J. Foster Obituary – Rochester

A funeral Mass for Edward J. "Ed" Foster will be at 11:00AM Friday, April 20, 2012 at Madonna Towers Chapel in Rochester officiated by Rev. James Russel. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the chapel on Friday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with graveside military rites provided by American Legion Post 92.

Mr. Foster, age 100, died Monday, April 16, 2012 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. He had been a resident of The Glenn, located in Minnetonka the past four months. Prior to this move to be near family, he resided at Madonna Towers in Rochester for seven years.

He was born July 15, 1911 in rural Fountain. He graduated from Preston High School in 1929, graduated from Preston Normal Training in 1930 and from Winona State Teachers College in 1933. He taught school for four years and then became bookkeeper and office manager for Halvorson Brothers Construction Company for six years.

In 1942 he entered the Army, spending time in the coast artillery, stationed on the Eastern Coast of the United States then later joined the Army Engineers. He graduated from Counter Intelligence Training at Americal Division Headquarters at Hollandia, New Guinea and spent time in the Soloman Islands, Philippines and Japan.

On July 29, 1944 he married Myrtle I. McIntosh, who was a registered nurse.

Returning from the service in late 1945, he was employed as bookkeeper and general manager for the Dunn Sand and Gravel Company. Upon Mr. Dunn's death, he formed a new business with R.J. Arend and J.O. Delsbo , the Rochester Sand and Gravel Company, Inc. and served as its president and general manager for many years. Mr. Foster and Mr. R.J. Arend worked with the City of Rochester in the gifting, sale and formation of Foster-Arend Park in 1985.

Mr. Foster was a past director of Rochester State bank, Rochester Fertilizer Company and Rochester Video Company. He was a member of American Legion Post 92, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1215, Rochester Eagles and Elks Club. He enjoyed travel, fishing, playing cards and the family cabin in Northern Minnesota.

Survivors include his wife Myrtle, a daughter Rosanne M. Seagle, a son James E. (Laura) Foster, a granddaughter Valerie Murrietta, three grandsons Mike, Ben and Joe Foster and two great-grandchildren, Sean and Hailey. He was preceded in death by a daughter Sandra, a son-in-law, Mike Seagle, four brothers, Frank, Joe, William and Tom Foster and a sister, Rose Younker.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com