Obituary of Donald J. Foster, Jr.

Foster, Donald J. Jr. Gladwin, Michigan Don passed away October 21, 2021 at the age of 83. He was born to the late Donald Foster Sr. and Betty (Warner) Foster on August 29, 1938, in his grandmother’s home (the late Lola Warner), in Lansing, Michigan. He was a member of the Gladwin Radio Control Club and enjoyed woodworking, good BBQ, chocolate-peanut butter pie, and good conversation. Don was very proud of the furniture, toy trucks (some trucks were too fancy to sell as toys), and the buggies he created with his son Russ. Don enjoyed all people, and enjoyed his time with his Amish neighbors in the Gladwin area. Don started his small engine repair career at Lorenz Sales and Service in Lansing Michigan. In 1972, He took a position with Ingham County Capitol Area Career Center where he taught small engine mechanics for 15 years, “loving every minute of it”. He enjoyed it when his former students still called or came to visit. Don continued to repair people’s small engines out of his garage in Laingsburg, and when he and his late wife, Judy, moved to Gladwin in 2000. Don was a believer in hard work, and worked part-time at Maverick Ford until he was 82. On August 12, 1961, he married the love of his life, the late Judy (Dotts) Foster (Dotts), in East Lansing Michigan. She predeceased him in March of 2018. He is survived by his son, Russell (Tami) Foster; daughter, Brandy (Don) Tilley; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald Foster; a sister, Judy Ellingston; a brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Betty Dotts; and many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his brother, John “Skeet” Foster; and brother-in-law, Toby Ellingston. As requested by Don, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, 440 E. Cedar Avenue, Gladwin, MI 48624. Pastor Lori Laprarie will officiate. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Planned Parenthood of Michigan or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com