Charles Foster
Charles was born July 30, 1942, in Cadillac, MI, and passed away on May 16, 2022, in East Lansing. He will be remembered in a Celebration of Life at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr, Lansing, on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10 a.m. A visitation will start at 9 am. All are invited to join the family for lunch at 11 am.
Charles is survived by his wife of 56 years, Halen Foster, his sisters Patricia Zuidema and Nancy Wells (Leon), his son Bruce Foster (Liz) and daughter Meredith McKinnon (Dan), his grandchildren Stevie and Cameron Petrosky, Charlie and Lydia McKinnon, and one great-granddaughter, Everleigh Passerby.
Charles led an active retirement life with his wife of 56 years, Halen. He filled his time with volunteering in multiple ways and organizations in our community. He loved international travel, family time, and the performing arts. During his career, he worked as a Social Worker for the State of Michigan.
A steadfast husband, brother, son, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin, and friend, Charles was known for being faithful to his church, his community, and being a Michigan State Spartan.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to Bethel University Charles J. & Halen K. Foster Scholarship Fund in his honor at Bethel University Give Online or to South Church at Giving – South Church.
All are invited to celebrate the life he led on June 11.
10 Messages to “Charles Foster”
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John Bankson
May 21, 2022 at 2:25 pmI knew Charles for many years. We met through Oakbrook with the common tie of working for the state in people helping jobs. Then he became one of my baseball buddies and we enjoyed watching the Lugnuts while discussing the fortunes of our teams, the Tigers and the Cubs. Charles was a good friend, a strong believer and a blessing to many.
Walt & Pat Willems
May 21, 2022 at 3:37 pmSo sorry to hear of Charles’ passing. Prayers for the family.
Kay Olson
May 22, 2022 at 2:55 pmI volunteered with Charles and Halen at the Michigan Historical Museum. Charles was a real gentleman and enjoyed history in addition to other interests. We always had a good time on Saturdays and our special holiday lunches.
Robert E Oliver
May 23, 2022 at 7:08 amSo sorry to hear of Charles passing. I met him when Bruce was coaching diving at Haslett and I could tell that he was a great supporter and a very proud “Papa” of Bruce and his accomplishments! Always a class gentlemen. Condolences to the Foster family.
BARBARA KOVAL
May 23, 2022 at 4:13 pmMay 23, 2022
With fond memories of a kind and gentle soul. We were long time neighbors and fellow docents at the State Museum. Caring thoughts to the Foster family. Barb and John Koval
David Hill
May 23, 2022 at 4:18 pmCharles and Halen were participants in my exercise class at the Lansing Mall. They were always bright, engaging and involved in the local scene.
Charles was a true gentleman and family man.
My condolences to the Foster family.
Gene Selander
June 1, 2022 at 9:41 pmCharles and were PK’s. Served together as kitchen staff at center lake bible camp. We were both active YFC and loved to hang out together. Charles was the real deal. Great guy and a true believe.
Sonja McCarty
June 6, 2022 at 10:56 amCharles, you were the brother I never had and a great neighbor for many, many years. Thank you for all your help and advice. My heart felt thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
william j johnson
June 10, 2022 at 8:03 pmIt was my pleasure to work with Charles for many years through his job as a social worker with the Department of Health and Human Services. Charles was truly one of the most respected individuals working for DHHS. His compassion for people, understanding of the social service mission, knowledge and thoughtfulness were consistent traits that benefitted all who worked with him. He was truly a professional public servant. God bless him and his family.
Inge Kyler
December 4, 2022 at 8:34 amI, too, worked as a Docent at the State Historical Museum. I so enjoyed our conversations. He was a fine gentle man.
Inge Kyler