Ron Foster, 86

Ronald Joseph Foster, age 86, died on August 30, 2024.  He was born on September 9, 1937 in Kalamazoo to Andrew and Elizabeth Foster. He passed peacefully in his home with loved ones caring for him.

After graduating from St. Augustine Catholic School, Ron attended Flint Barber College, and went on to open Foster’s Barber Shop in Portage. At the same time, Ron proudly served in the Army Reserves as a medic.

Soon after meeting the love of his life, Ron married Carole Brewer in 1963. Together they had three children: Ronald James, Stephanie (Ric) Sampson, and Julie (Brian Wood) Walters. They settled in Kalamazoo.

Wanting to change careers, Ron attended WMU’s Paper Technology program. He enjoyed sales, meeting many friends and entertaining colleagues. This was Ron’s niche, having a socially interactive job with travel elements and opportunities to use his God given gift of humor! Ron eventually used his knowledge and experience to open his own business, the RJ Foster Company and became a manufacturer’s representative. He was an interest owner in Twinsburg Mold, which gave him the ability to produce parts he created that were sold by his company. Ron was always an extremely hard worker, beginning as a young teen at a pool hall!

Ron’s dream of living on a farm came to fruition in the mid 70’s. It was important to him that his children grow up in a rural environment. There were cows and horses, vegetable gardens and summertime corn roasts. He had much to learn as a gentlemen farmer, and did so with determination, hard work, and help from family, friends and neighboring farmers.

Along with billiards, Ron loved to golf in his spare time. He was in several leagues and enjoyed many golf trips, which led to his Snowbird status in Rotonda West, Florida, where he enjoyed more frequent golfing opportunities.

Ron is survived by his children as well as 9 grandchildren: Loren (Joey) Jackson, Hannah Sampson, Patric (Maggie) Sampson, Connor (Rachel) Sampson, Logan Walters, Sophie (Brent Smith) Walters, Jack (Valeria de Luna-Kent) Walters, Evan (Gaby Macanas-Romanelli) Sampson, and Owen Sampson. Ron also has 9 great-grandchildren who enjoyed his silly songs and unique nicknames that will stay with them forever!

Preceding Ron in death are his parents and ten siblings.

A visitation rosary will be held on Tuesday, October 1 from 4-7pm at Joldersma-Klein Funeral Home, with the rosary beginning at 6:30pm. Funeral Mass will follow on Wednesday, October 2 at 11 am at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg, followed by full military honors.