Donald Foster

Foster, Donald G. Delton Donald George Foster of Delton passed away peacefully on February 20, 2021 at the age of 98. He was in the home he built with his own two hands. He was right where he wanted to be. Born in 1923 in Petoskey, MI to Andrew and Elizabeth Foster, he was one of 10 beloved siblings with whom he remained close his entire life. He met his true love Margo Cizmadji in 1939. When WWII broke out Don immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps. The Army recognized his gift for mechanics and trained him as a flight engineer. They put this teenager in charge of keeping a B-24 bomber flying. On April 15, 1944 Don and Margo were married on a 2-day pass. After the war, they settled down in Kalamazoo where Don co-owned and operated Foster's Standard Service with his brother Tom. Don and Margo started their family and shared a dream to build a home on Wall Lake. Don bought a beautiful lot on the lake and he and Margo cleared it and began constructing their Camelot board by board. Once finished, the lake house became the center of life for Don, Margo, and their four kids Karen, Don, Larry, and Greg. Don was a licensed pilot and an accomplished sailor (and had the trophies to prove it). The family had great times with extended family and friends over the years. In retirement, Don and Margo travelled the world and fully enjoyed their "golden years". They were inseparable. Margo passed in 2009 after being married for 65 years to a very lucky guy. Don carried on at the lake. He maintained his independence, wit, humor, and wisdom until his final day when he gently drifted away in his castle. Don and Margo knew great joy and were richly blessed. They knew sorrow too, especially with the death of their precious son Larry. They were both grateful for all that God had given them. Don was a founding member of St. Ambrose Catholic church in Delton. As he aged he never failed to attend a virtual Catholic mass every Sunday. He delighted in calls and visits from children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and many friends. He was even more delighted if he could get a little work out of those visitors. He loved supervising a project. His only daughter, Karen, was his rock and filled his everyday life with happiness and provided the help he needed to maintain his independence which he valued so much. He was proud of his boys. Son Don was his "right hand man" and shared his gift for all things mechanical. Greg missed out on that gift but compensated somewhat by becoming a doctor. Larry was gone but his gentle kind soul were never forgotten. His neighbors were incredibly supportive over the years and he appreciated their help and kindness. Don leaves behind his daughter Karen (Don-deceased), sons Don (Karen Ann), and Greg (Marina) as well as 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He is reunited with his dear Margo and son Larry along with so many friends and family that have gone before him. If there is anything that needs fixing up there in heaven, he's the man for the job. A private Mass with the immediate family was celebrated at St. Ambrose in Delton. He is resting next to Margo and Larry in Mount Olivet Cemetery. All prayers and happy thoughts are appreciated. He was a great man. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Don's family.