Peter Foster

Although he was many things - a genuine patriot, a devoted citizen of the community he loved, and a dedicated family man, Peter Foster’s greatest accomplishment was found in the souls he won for Christ. He was never overbearing in his beliefs, but it was through his fervent prayers and gentle whispers of faith that his life exemplified what it means to be a man of God. Second only to his faith was his abundant love for his family, and there was nothing that Peter cherished more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include numerous branches of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Like pages torn from a history book, Peter played an integral role in the history of our nation, and it was because of the courage, strength, and will of men like Peter that we enjoy the freedoms he fought so hard to preserve. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of countless others will be forever changed because of his touch.

The Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time in America when radios, washing machines, and affordable cars were signs of the time. It was on February 15, 1925, during this exciting time that Ernest and Sophia (Warren) Foster were blessed with the birth of the baby boy they named Peter. Born in the family home in Tekonsha, Michigan, he was the 10th of 12 Foster children and was raised alongside his older siblings, Florence, Myrtle, Warren, Violet, Velma, Ila, Donald, Ronald, and Ernest, and his younger siblings, Robert and William. He was a young boy of his generation who attended local schools, however, by the early 1940s our nation was deeply entrenched in WWII, and Peter left school during the 11th grade to enter the Army.

After receiving his basic training in Galveston, Texas, Peter received more specific training in both Maryland and California before being sent to New Jersey to await further orders. From there Peter boarded the Queen Mary in New York Harbor and then made his way across Scotland and England to finally cross the English Channel aboard a Navy landing craft to be greeted by the cold waters off the coast of France. The remnants of previous battles were all around him, and the reality of war was undeniable. Under General Patton, Peter and his fellow soldiers found themselves on the front lines during the Battle of the Bulge. The days that followed were long, and these days found him as part of a 12 man scouting group, then advancing through the Black Forest under the cover of night, and also digging fox holes. Peter was overcome by the reality of God’s provision firsthand as he was among the survivors when so many were not.

Peter worked on a dairy farm where he also had room and board during this time. Even as a young man Peter was a man of great character who didn’t indulge in drinking or smoking with friends while selectively choosing like-minded friends. With his military duties fulfilled, Peter returned to Southwest Michigan. He lived in an apartment in Kalamazoo while completing his high school education at Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Peter’s introduction to the woman with whom he would write a love story that spanned 67 years. Her name was Lois Jane Fish, and she touched his heart in a new and different way. Deeply in love, Peter proposed to his sweetheart in the kitchen one day, and she accepted through tears of joy. They were married on February 22, 1947. Their marriage was one that most can only dream of as it was rooted in honesty, love, and trust, and according to Peter his beloved Lois was simply his missing puzzle piece.

Peter saved money while working at Sutherland and then Eaton, and when they had enough money they bought their house in Oshtemo in 1951. This was the place that he called home for the rest of his life. Together Peter and Lois welcomed five children including Peter Jr, Glenn, Carolyn, Daniel, and Thomas into their hearts and home. To support his family Peter spent 33 years working as an inspector at Eaton Manufacturing Company before retiring 1983.

It was in 1937 that Peter accepted the Lord. He savored the Word of God, and his favorite verse was Romans 10:13 while his favorite hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Peter was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church where he made numerous friends. He was a prayer warrior who often sought the solitude of the walking trail on his property. Because this was his time to think and pray, Peter put up signs along the trail with the names of family and friends, and as he walked he meditated and prayed for each person whose name he came upon. He even made blank sings to fill in the names of future great-grandchildren. For years Peter served as chaplain for several area nursing homes including Friendship Village, bus ministry at Calvary Bible, and Valley View Bible Church. He was also a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and avid supporter of Faith Baptist Academy in Mattawan.

There was nothing that Peter cherished more than his family. He was a dedicated, devoted, and responsible father who loved taking vacations to the Upper Peninsula and rides on the Toonerville Trolley when their children were younger. They also camped along the shores of Lake Michigan. In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, Peter and Lois renewed their vows before a full crowd, and Peter’s 80th birthday celebration full of family and friends from near and far was also something to remember.

Always one to be active, Peter was a man of many interests. He had several dogs over the years including his golden retriever, Little Lady. Peter loved to putter around the yard and spend time in his garden and flower beds. He also liked the Lawrence Welk Show and music from the Gaithers and bluegrass. A kid at heart, Peter was well known for his impression of Donald Duck, his yodeling, and playing the harmonica.

Deeply loved, Peter Foster was a blessing to everyone he met. His memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were within his reach.

Peter Foster died on January 13, 2015. Peter’s family includes his wife, Lois; children, Vickie (Kissinger/Foster, Jr.) Bennett of Portage, Glenn C. (Cherie) Foster of Lawton, Carolyn G. (Paul) Phelps, Sr. of Oshtemo, Daniel J. (Susan) Foster of New York, Thomas S. (Mary) Foster of Almena; 15 grandchildren, Peter “Marty” (Angie) Foster III, Angela (Brent) Simcox, Stephanie Foster, David (Lacy) Foster, Heather (Kevin) Krall, Christie (Andrew) Leeson, Andrew (Nicole) Foster, Paul II (Sarah) Phelps, Marcia (David) Brower, Daniel Foster, Jr., Casey Foster, Stephen (Heather) Foster, Joshua Foster, Victoria Foster, Molly Foster; and 25 great-grandchildren. Peter was preceded in death by his oldest son, Peter M. Jr.; grandson, Charles Foster; parents; all of his 11 siblings and their spouses; Florence, Myrtle, Warren, Violet, Velma, ILA, Donald, Ronald, Ernest, Robert, and William. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 16th at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (269) 375-2900 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church Mattawan, with Rev. Charles Rawsthorne officiating. A graveside service 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park, Westnedge Avenue; Kalamazoo. Memorial gifts may be sent to Faith Baptist Church of Mattawan. Visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo.