Bill Foster, Jr.

Bill Foster Jr., 61, died on Tuesday August 13, 2024 surrounded by his family at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Bill was born May 19, 1963 to Bill and Lola (Applegate) Foster in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1981 and served in the United States Army and Marine Corps. He soon met DeAnna, and after only 2 weeks of courtship, they married. Together they built a life for themselves and their children.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, watching car shows, and fixing his cars. He loved his 2006 Mustang and some would even venture to say he had two great loves in his life, his wife and his Mustang.

Bill also enjoyed baking, cooking, and eating and was known to make some of the best damn cheesecake around. He was known for his selfless nature, always helping his neighbors clean their driveways after it snowed or lending them a hand when needed. When one was in Bill’s presence they took note of his humor and how he always had a joke to share. Most importantly, Bill loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren.

Bill carried the weight of having Parkinson’s Disease for over 20 years, thus leading to his retirement as his disease grew stronger every day. He, however, did not let his disease define him, he showed up to his life everyday with strength and courage.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It is not the length of life but the depth of life.” Bill lived a life in depth and in his death, he saved three lives, donating both kidneys and his liver. He not only made a massive impact on others in his life, but also in his death.

Bill is survived by wife, DeAnna Foster; daughters, Amanda Lane (Todd), Katheryn Foster (Jordan McFadden), ReBecca McDaniel (Guy), and his little girl whom he called “Burt”, Hayleigh Foster; grandchildren, Charlie and Olive Lane, Henry, Harrison, and Hensley Foster, and Summer, Autumn, Roarke, Gavin, Carson, and Presley McDaniel.

He is also survived by his precious cat, Alice; goofball dog, Twinkles, and his damn 2006 Mustang that he loved just like a child.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Lola (Applegate) Foster; son, Kyle Foster; and sisters, Linda Pinckney and Marta Stamey.

A special thank you to Corey McCoid and Jeremiah Duggan, Bill’s two heroic neighbors that pulled him from his garage after such a traumatic event, the Ankeny Fire Department and other first responders, the wonderful nurses and staff at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, especially the nurses who worked in the Burn Unit, and to the Iowa Donor Network. Bill’s family remains forever grateful.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday August 25, 2024 starting at 2 pm at Shelters 5 and 6 within the Cherry Glen picnic area, located near Saylorville Lake.

Bill is missed every minute of every day. His life and his death only reminding us all that life is short and unpredictable; eat the cheesecake first.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Bill Foster.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

Print