Bobby J. Foster
October 23, 1940 – February 8, 2022
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Berean Baptist Church, 7813 S. 12th St., Portage, MI 49024 with Pastor Bill Abernathy officiating. Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 13 at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and at the church on Monday prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. A committal service with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Bible Institute or Berean Baptist Church Benevolent Fund.
Obituary
FOSTER, Bobby J.
Portage
Age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, with his family by his side. Bob was born in St. James, Arkansas on October 23, 1940, the son of the late Coleman and Vernice (Greenway) Foster. He was a 1958 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. After graduating, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably for four years and was stationed in Okinawa. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Bob returned home and reunited with his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Carole M. Nightingale. They were married on March 30, 1963. He was a long-time member of Berean Baptist Church and was active in many of the ministries there. He had a strong faith in his Lord and passed that faith onto his family. Bob enjoyed meeting his “ROMEO” group for Tuesday breakfast at Bucky’s Café. He loved spending time with his friends and family, traveling and storytelling. Bob also enjoyed riding his Yamaha V-Star motorcycle. He was known for his intellectual sense, his sharp memory and quick-witted humor, up to his last day on earth. Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carole Foster; children, Laurie Foster, Craig Foster, Alaine (Ian) Bollinger and Susan Broekhuis; grandchildren, Andrea (Brian) Seymour, Kurtis (Connie) Newhouse, Rachel (Freddy) Newhouse, Nick and Ellie Foster; Emily and Allison Nauta, Cole Mosqueda, Colin Bollinger and Lindsey and Molly Broekhuis; four great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Rockwell; five brothers and five sisters. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 14, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Berean Baptist Church, 7813 S. 12th St., Portage, MI 49024 with Pastor Bill Abernathy officiating. Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 13 at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home from 1:00 to 3:00 PM and at the church on Monday prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. A committal service with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Moody Bible Institute or Berean Baptist Church Benevolent Fund. “We are at peace knowing that he is resting in the arms of Jesus.”
Dear aunt Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was a great man and I always enjoyed seeing, and talking with him. Love you, Richie and family.
Thank you so much for making a difference in my Mom and my life. Your smile and humor gave light to the heart and spirit of those around you. Your kindness and acceptance of life on earth with honor, dignity and respect will always be remembered. I hope my Mother greeted you with a grand, heavenly welcome and that your loved ones surround you with heavenly peace. I am truly blessed to have met you and shared precious time with a special man. Rest in perfect peace, Terri
We will miss his smile and his big booming voice. We will miss his hugs and his crazy jokes. My memories are so full of laughter and giggles. Being called “chatty Cathy” and being tickled with Laurie to the point of tears. Looking forward to all of you coming to our house. Such special times. I loved you Uncle Bob and can’t wait to be with you in heaven one day.
Dear Carol and Family: We want to extend our condolence for your deep loss of Bob. Bob was a friend , neighbor and a genuine good person. He was always there to guide us, help us, laugh with us. He was so kind to us and our children. He and Carol were wonderful to us. It is with much fondness, sympathy, respect & love that we will say “until we meet again and Rest In Peace”. We hope the love he gave to his family & the wonderful memories of Bob live on in your hearts.