Obituary of William Foerster

William B. Foerster, 65, of 440 Brentwood Drive, Wisconsin Rapids, passed away at home Monday morning, January 23, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer. He found his peace while surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born November 2, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to William and Gertrude (Berg) Foerster. He graduated in 1964 from Lansing Everett High School. After attending Lansing Community College, he joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves, where he served his country from 1966-1972. On May 20, 1967, he was united in marriage to Janice Smith in Lansing, Michigan. Bill was employed as an Engineering Specifications Writer for Diamond Reo Trucks in Lansing, MI, for 10 years until the company closed in 1974. Bill?s love for cooking guided him to the next chapter of his career. Bill moved his family to Wisconsin Rapids, WI in 1977 where he opened Sambo?s Restaurant. He also served as a district manager for this chain. Bill?s dream of owning his own business came to fruition when he and Jan opened Foerster?s Restaurant in 1980. This family owned restaurant was a favorite gathering place for countless many for 15 years. In addition to his full-service restaurant, Bill also developed an extensive catering service and banquet facilities. He and his dedicated staff provided delicious food and quality service for numerous momentous occasions. He took great pride in his work and served as a mentor to so many young employees in this community. Bill was a devoted husband for 45 years, and was a proud and loving father. His grandchildren were the light of his life. When Bill wasn?t nourishing others with his cooking, he loved boating and working around his home, doing landscaping and endless DIY projects. He and Jan also found great enjoyment from eating out in local establishments. He was an avid Badger fan and a season football ticket holder for over 25 years. Although the last couple of years were difficult due to his serious illness, Bill never complained. He found strength by surrounding himself with his loving family and the companionship of his devoted cats, Bear and Bella. They never left his side. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Jan of Wisconsin Rapids; two daughters: Michelle Foerster of Rolling Meadows, IL and her son, Elijah, and Jennifer (Kevin) Foerster-Engelien of Cross Plains, WI and their children Madeline and Mason; his mother, Gertrude of Troy, MI; one brother, Donald (Rae Jean) Foerster of Lansing, MI; and one sister, Victoria Foerster of Troy, MI. He is also survived by nephews Nicholas (Tricia) Foerster, Jon Foerster both of Lansing, MI, and Connor Foerster-Reynolds of Troy, MI; a niece, Cassidy Foerster-Reynolds, Troy, MI and a great-niece, Brooklyn Foerster of Lansing, MI. He was preceded in death by his father. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28th at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Paul Veldman will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until the time of services at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Bill?s name to the UW Cancer Center-Riverview or the South Wood County Humane Society. Jan and family would like to thank Dr. Ron Kirschling and the wonderful staff of the UW Cancer Center Riverview, Dr. Deogracias Estrada and the caring Riverview Hospital staff as well as the hospice nurses for their loving care and support throughout our journey.