William Frederick Foster
December 12, 1941 – January 1, 2025
God, in his almighty wisdom, called William (Bill) Frederick Foster, to his heavenly home on January 1, 2025. Husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away quietly after a long-fought battle with cancer at the age of 83. His wife Joan, sons James and Philip and their children were at his side throughout his final days.
Bill was born on December 12, 1941, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Earl L. and Elizabeth C. (Kloepfer) Foster. He attended Bretton Woods, a Delta Township grade school, C.W. Otto Middle School, J.W. Sexton High School and Lansing Community College.
Bill was a part-time mechanic at Stevens Garage in Delta Mills in his early years and in 1965 started working for REO Motor Car Company. After 10 years of working there, the then, Diamond Reo Truck bankrupted. By the fall of 1975, together with a group of ex-Reo personnel, Bill started to build trucks as a subsidiary of Form Rite in Charlotte, Michigan. A little over a year later, Bill,
together with three (3) others, approached a group of Charlotte businessmen to back a small business loan to build Spartan Motors’ first plant building in Charlotte, Michigan. Bill would continue to build Spartan Motors through years of hard work, passion for the industry and perseverance serving as Vice-President and member of the Board of Directors for over 30 years.
Bill married Joan Westmoreland on June 17, 1967, at Emanual First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI. Together they had two sons while living in Delta Township where Bill served on the Delta Township Fire Department. He held many ranks up to and including Assistant Chief before retiring from active fire service after 27 years. In 1982, the family moved to Grand Ledge, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Bill was passionate about firetrucks, fire safety vehicles and training firefighters and mechanics within the fire industry. However, he was also passionate about his family and his personal relationships with everyone he met. He loved spending time with his family and friends at their cottage in Sault Ste. Marie, watching iron ore freighters. He loved traveling and would always find a fantastic place to get wonderful food from coast to coast. If he knew you were going on a trip, he might even suggest a restaurant to visit while you were gone and tell you exactly how to get there.
He was also passionate about sharing his knowledge with anyone interested in the fire industry. Even after 60 years, until he would be hospitalized for a blood clot in the fall of 2023, he could be found driving a fire truck chassis to a fire show, sitting on the bumper telling stories while greeting his friends and customers while updating them on the newest Spartan Motors products.
Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan, their two sons James (Tammy) and Philip (Deborah), grandchildren Brooke (Rory), Joshua, Benjamin (fiancée Grace), Rebecca, Peter, Christopher, and Lynn, and great-granddaughter, Adelaide.
Christian funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Delta Center Cemetery. His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, and also at the church 1-hour prior to the funeral service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel First Ev. Lutheran Church Restoration Fund.
35 Messages to “William Frederick Foster”
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Ron Jacobs
January 2, 2025 at 5:20 pmBill “Willie” and I grew up together.He has been one of those best friends for life. I am going to miss him very much.
John and Gloria Gambill
January 2, 2025 at 10:57 pmBill was a friend and buddy for years. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Seeing through our tears we are comforted knowing that Bill is free of pain and suffering.
Randy Linton
January 3, 2025 at 7:38 amEnjoyed spending time with Bill both professionally and just hanging out their place at the Soo. A Very special friend who’s knowledge was enormous in the fire community and in just life. Always will think about him setting on the front of fire equipment with that great smile!
Condolences to Joan and family.
Anne Brandyberry/Delaware Community Concert Band
January 3, 2025 at 10:29 amPhil, Debb and Family,
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband, dad and grandfather. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Your Friends in the Delaware Community Concert Band
J Gordon Routley
January 3, 2025 at 12:59 pmI sat next to Bill on the front bumper of a fire truck on many occasions and met with him on several others. He was the kindest and most interesting guy to talk with and deal with. It was always a pleasure to Dee him and catch up on things. I will really miss those occasions and that great relationship. My deepest condolences to all of the Foster family.
Carolyn Beeskow Ott
January 3, 2025 at 1:32 pmSo sorry to hear this! There are so many wonderful memories of Willie. My condolences to all!
jack rouser
January 3, 2025 at 2:15 pmMrs. Foster’s “little boy Billie” was a wonderful friend for the 47 years I knew him. I will miss him deeply.
Jeff Smith
January 3, 2025 at 2:38 pmThe most instrumental person to the Spartan firetruck success. Bill was liked and respected by his peers and the entire labor force at Spartan and hundreds of fireman around the country.. One of the hardest working managers I have ever known. Rest in peace Bill you have earned it.
Mike Santilli
January 3, 2025 at 3:17 pmI, as a Past President of OAEVT had the honor to work with bill on many training projects throughout the country. He was always thoughtful, caring, and willing to work with you. Every convention i went to i always looked for him just to stop and say hello and spend a minute with him. He always supported the Ohio fire mechanics and attended our conferences each year. May you rest in piece Bill.
Mark and Marcia Griffin
January 3, 2025 at 4:33 pmI will always remember his laughter. When I was a young boy. We would go to the foster farm,for family picnics. A lot great memories. RIP. PRAYERS TO THE FOSTER FAMILY.
Alan Conkle
January 3, 2025 at 4:34 pmBill was the greatest friend anybody could have! It is indeed an honor to be his friend! Bill you will be missed but for all of us left behind you have made a positive impact! The “ Fire Truck Broke, Fix It” saying at all those EVT Seminars will live on forever! You did make a difference!
Deepest sympathy for Joan and your family, we will keep you all in our prayers and thoughts!
Rest in peace!
Jason Droste
January 3, 2025 at 6:34 pmI am so sorry and heart broken to hear about Bill. He was always a jokster and was always so nice. I spent many days over at their home and was always welcome with open arms. I always considered hom my second “Dad.” To Joan, Phil, Jim, Tammie, Debbie, and the entire family, I am truly saddened by your lose. I will keep all of you in my prayers. I love all of you.
Jane Frazier Meddaugh
January 3, 2025 at 7:27 pmJoan,
We were devastated after hearing that your Bill had passed. Wow, another chapter closed at DTFD. Bill was the epitome of a Public Servant. He was a good, no, a great man. He leaves quite a legacy with family and friends, REO, Spartan Motors, DTFD and his church.
Knowing how much he loved his UP retreat I paraphrased The Song of Hiawatha a bit but thought it was fitting;;
By the shores of Gitche Gumee” stood the cottage of the Fosters. Father Bill and Mother Joan Foster.
Ships filled with ore and grain passed by Bills deck, as he logged each and everyone he watched sail by.
Sault St. Marie was his paradise. Now Bill joins the crew of the Edmond Fitzgerald in Heaven above leaving ship watch to Jim and Phillip and the grandchildren. May the Foster Legacy continue on.
Robyn Bellner (Mann)
January 6, 2025 at 4:58 pmJane I could not have said it better about his legacy and DYFD! I used to love going there with my dad and listening to his stories. When dad was (aging), Bill and Joan would take dad up to the cottage with them.. I remember meeting them in Cadillac one time I think for them to pick him up. So many AMAZING memories.
Dave Harper
January 3, 2025 at 8:09 pmJoan, Jim, Phil and family.
The world lost a great person but Heaven has gained the best storyteller and brain full of knowledge; I imagine there is a special place on a bumper with a “Q” for his arm to rest on and “tell lies” and impart knowledge.
Thinking of Bill makes me smile. I see his smile, hear his laugh and feel his passions in my memories. The last time we visited was on his birthday; he was the same, positive Bill, mixing his conversation between how proud he is of his family, fire trucks (both od and new), and stories (or as he said “telling lies from the past”. Thanks Joan, Jim and Tammy for sharing that special day with us.
I have known Bill for as long as I can recall; he and my father were good friends starting back in the 1960’s. One of my cherished memories was in 1998. I attended a Mero Lansing Chiefs lunchoen with my departments newly appointed chief. I introduced the chief and then other area chiefs introduced themseves to my chief. When it was Bill’s turn he simply said “Bill Foster, Spartan Motors and I changed your number twos diaper when he was a baby” (indicating me). Then he laughed, as only Bill can. I have so many other memories and will miss the chicken dinner in Roscommon or using Uncle Bill as the “Kool Ade Mom” at the shows (for if/when my daughter were to get lost).
To the family; you are truly Blessed to be able to call William F. Foster husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa or whatever. I call Bill the Elon Musk of fire trucks while others have dubbed him “A Legend”; a title well earned for both his work and his family.
Thanks for sharing Bill with us.
Dale & Amber Wendel
January 3, 2025 at 8:11 pmI worked with Bill at many Spartan Firetruck training conferences. He was a true legend in the Firetruck industry, his shoes will never be filled..Rest easy Big Bill
David Howe
January 3, 2025 at 9:11 pmIt’s been an absolute pleasure working with you and setting up the displays for the annual Fire Truck Shows at the Lansing Center.
We also found some amazing places to find Lunch !!
R.I.P. Bill
Terry Travis
January 3, 2025 at 11:15 pmBill was one of the smartest and nicest people I ever met and had the pleasure of working with on the Spartan chassis’s that we purchased. Bill treated everyone like a friend and would go out of his way to help with any project any way he could. RIP Bill.
A/C Terry Travis Ret.
Marshall Fire Department
The Brights
January 4, 2025 at 1:53 amI love this entire family so much. Bill and Joan id a great job raising their children. The joy that has been put into the world because of Mr. Foster is heartwarming. I imagine that he also saved many lives with his work and love of fire trucks. Thank you for instilling a love of travel and good food into Phil. The world thanks you for being on the planet. Sending love to all friends and family. Hugs to everyone.
Peter and Christine Benden
January 4, 2025 at 11:00 amChristine and I send our sincerest condolences to Joan and the entire Foster family. I knew Bill as a very generous person with his time, always willing to share his vast knowledge, and as just a genuinely nice human being. He will be missed but remains fondly in our memories.
Roger Tews
January 4, 2025 at 6:16 pmSo sorry to hear about bill, talked to him on his birthday. We’re friends since birth, 5 days apart. Went to the same schools, same church and helped on the farm during harvest. Rest in piece buddy. Roger Tews
LT Marcus Gaston
January 5, 2025 at 12:35 am“Bill” because I was told in no uncertain terms not to call him. Mr. Foster was a very good friend all the years I knew him it was so very short as to the years that most knew him. As a firefighter and a member of the OAEVT I got to spend a lot of time with this wonderful man. He gave me a lot of insight and told me a lot of wonderful stories. Stories I will treasure he was a very great man and will be truly missed. I know I speak for so many when I say to his family and friends you have my condolences. He was one of a kind.
Paul & Martha Lee
January 5, 2025 at 12:28 pmBill Foster was a good friend, my mentor and the best man at our wedding.
We often shared knowledge of firetrucks, the trucking industry itself and alternative fuels.
We always enjoyed his humor, he always said “life is short, let’s eat dessert first”. Bill had the gift of always making you feel good about yourself. Thank you for being a blessing in our lives. We want you to know that you are appreciated more than words can express. We are blessed to have had you in our lives.
Joan, Jim and Philip our sincerest condolences for your great loss. We will never forget Bill, he will surely be missed.
Our love and friendship
Paul and Martha Lee
Lynn Van Loton
January 5, 2025 at 5:17 pmI was at spartan for 25 years Bill will greatly missed always great to talk to and be associated with
John Sztykiel
January 5, 2025 at 8:18 pmBill, as I posted on LinkedIn yesterday(I had my left hip replaced on Friday) exemplified 5 Great Leadership Traits
1. Courage as Spartan was born during a deep recession in 1975 and from the bankruptcy of Diamond Reo Trucks
2. Kindness..Bill was one of the kindest people I ever met. Point being all 4 founders were admired so much by their suppliers that many of them gave them parts to build the 1st chassis. Then said pay us when you get paid.
3. Wisdom..Bill was not only a great electrical engineer but knew you never spend more than you bring in and you deliver a high performance chassis, one that people will pay more money for.
4. Passion….when Bill was focused on something, he would never, ever quit.
5. Attitude…I never really saw him raise his voice, always had a smile, always positive
While I am quite sad, I am a better person because of Bill, this works is better because of Bill. Truly an amazing person.
Thx Bill, not just for the memories but your impact on the future as well.
John Sztykiel
Bob Lawrie (Burlington Ontario Canada)
January 6, 2025 at 8:58 amThere are people in life who always want to be part of the problem and people who want to be part of the solution. My friend Bill was always part of the solution. RIP Bill Thanks for being a true friend.
June Brokos
January 6, 2025 at 10:55 amDear Joan and Family, It was a pleasure to know and learn from Bill. I am sorry for the world’s loss in having Bill’s bright light to shine. Praying peace and comfort for each of you.
Rob Anselmi
January 6, 2025 at 12:40 pmThe title of “legend” gets thrown around a bit too much these days, but never has it been more appropriate than to describe someone like Bill. Anyone that has ever taken a wrench to a fire truck, served on a fire department, or been served by a fire department owes a debt to this man. Bill was instrumental in creating a company that improved the lives of anyone involved in the world of emergency response, but did it through personal relationships, listening, and teaching. The more you knew about the Spartan products, the better you could repair them, and surprise, the more interested you were in purchasing the brand.
“Breaking bread” as Bill would say was his way of getting to know you and hearing your ideas how we could collectively improve fire apparatus by making it safer and more efficient. If a sign of a man’s worth at the end of the day is to make things better than they found them, you nailed it Bill.
Bruce D. Guttenplan
January 6, 2025 at 1:20 pmTo the Foster Family;
I first met Bill at the NYS AFC Convention at the Concord Hotel. Bill also had a smile and great conversation and knowledge about truck chassis. I had taken him out to dinner one night at a restaurant he raved about for many years.
His passing is a tremendous loss to your family and to the fire service. May he rest in peace.
Dale Eddy
January 6, 2025 at 1:39 pmI will forever miss this wonderful person and friend. (How we doing)
Mark Radius
January 6, 2025 at 2:17 pmBill was a class act, a true gentleman and a mentor to many. I enjoyed our friendship and his counsel as we worked together on several projects for the GRFD. His influence and insights will be missed in the fire service community. Our condolences to his family.
John Michael Surprenant
January 6, 2025 at 2:58 pmBill was always kind and more helpful than he needed to be when we worked with him in the early 1980’s building fire trucks in Michigan at Fire Trucks Inc. When we had questions, he went above and beyond expectations to answer them and to assist us in every way. Throughout the decades in the fire apparatus business, it was always a pleasure to sit a spell and share stories with Bill and a joke or two. A true gentleman who will be dearly missed!
Linda Kay Schaible
January 6, 2025 at 11:17 pmCondolences to the Foster Family. Bill was a very special person. Great memories especially
the Young Peoples Society at Emanuel Lutheran Church. As a rescue person for Delta Twsp.
he came to my aid when my father became unresponsive. It was great to have a good friend here for the encouragement I needed. I was also blessed to have his wonderful sons in my second grade Sunday school class.
Sorry I could not attend the service. You are certainly in my prayers.
Joyce Felzke
January 7, 2025 at 9:22 amMy deepest sympathies to all of the Fosters.
Bill certainly led an amazing life and shared God’s love with everyone he met. A life well lived, he blessed us all. May the Lord be a great comfort to all feeling Bill’s loss here on earth. We shall see him again in heaven. Although I’m unable to attend the service today, I am praying for you. God bless!
Hank Henninger
January 7, 2025 at 7:08 pmMy condolences to Bill’s family. I met Bill in Orlando at the EVT commission conference. Had many nice conversations with him about fire truck building over the years. Thanks Bill. Rest in peace.