Mark Foster
May 12, 1948 ~ September 12, 2013
Mark A. Foster, 65, of Fargo, ND passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at Rosewood on Broadway after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.
Mark was born May 12, 1948 to Ernest and Evangeline (Dufault) Foster in Warroad, MN. At a young age he moved with his family to Hoyt Lakes, MN and graduated from High School there. After graduating from Mesabi Junior College he joined the Army and served overseas in both Vietnam and South Korea. Upon returning he attended University of North Dakota and received a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering. After graduating, he married his college sweetheart, Theresa Mozinski, in 1978. They then moved to Fargo and he began work at Johnson Controls.
Mark was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for many years and served on the finance council there. He was also involved in the Knights of Columbus and was the treasurer of the local Lions Club. He regularly volunteered at the food pantry and enjoyed canoeing, playing pinochle and cribbage, and cheering on the Sioux hockey team.
Mark is survived by two children, Michael (fiancée Natalie Newberg) Foster of Fargo, and Rachel Foster of Hamburg, Germany, and sisters Claudette McCoy, Fargo, Marlys Sime, Hugo, MN, Beverly (Bob) Bauer, Freeport, MN, Linda Waldorf, Minneapolis, Paulette (Kermit) Moe, Glencoe, MN; brothers, Forrest Foster, Aurora, MN, Milan (Cheryl) Foster, Avon, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Evangeline, his wife Theresa, his daughter Jeanette, his sisters Joan and Judith, and his brothers Daniel and Stephen.
Fargo ND
Dear Michael and Rachel,
I am saddened at the loss of your dear father. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
West Fargo ND
Michael and Rachel,
Sympathies to each of you. As I spoke to you yesterday, my husband, John Meek and Mark were all roommates at UND. We spent many hours together going to UND hockey games and visiting after the games. As I mentioned also we enjoyed listening to the reel to reel tape of his thunderstorm. We lost touch for many years, but reconnected in 2006. My husband Rodd passed away in 2009 and Mark was a pallbear. Mark tried to teach us pinochle, but that was a lost cause. The memories I have of Mark and Terri were many. May you find peace and comfort in knowing they are finally together with Jeanette!
GRAND FORKS ND
I am sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. My thoughts go out to the whole extended family.
I worked with Mark for 14 years. Some weeks I was with Mark more than my own family. There are many good words that could be used to describe Mark. Many of the words that I think of to describe Mark came out at the prayer service and I can attest to all of them.
I would like to comment on one that stands out. Proud.
Mark was proud of his family and enjoyed talking about them.
Mark was proud of his military service. He would always take Veterans Day off from work to honor the veterans.
He was proud of his years at UND. He was big UND fan.
He was proud of his years at Johnson Controls. Often we would get together for lunch after he no longer worked at JCI and at some juncture in our conversations he would make a point to mention that he worked there for 27 1/2 years. Not 27 or 28 years. It was 27 1/2 years. He always wanted to know what was changing and going on at the office. He would stop by the office on occasion to visit.
I am proud to have worked with Mark. He took me under his wing early on. He was a great mentor to me and I use a lot of skills that he taught me in my engineering duties today. He would always drop what he was doing to give me his full attention when I had a technical issue or question.
Mark never openly judged anyone or said anything bad about anybody. A skill that is very tough to master.
My deepest sympathy to Marks family. He loved you all
To Mark, I wish you well on your journey my friend. You will be missed but not forgotten. I hope to see you again.
In God We Trust
Fargo ND
Mark was a good friend to my husband (Joe Welk), me and my kids and grandkids. Joe enjoyed years of playing pinochle with Mark. When Joe became disabled with brain cancer, Mark helped build a wheelchair ramp for him and came to our house once a week for “prayer & pinochle”. This past Easter my daughter, grandkids and I visited Mark at Rosewood for a pinochle lesson. He explained all the rules to the kids and played a couple hands with Zack. He joked with Zack about how he and Zack’s grandpa would “whoop” the other guys. He gave the kids the gift of learning a game that their grandpa enjoyed…and yet thanked us for the opportunity to teach the next generation. God’s peace Mark.
San Antonio TXWhen I think of Mark. I remember the most kind gentlest man I have ever known. I will miss him as will you all. Now he’s at peace with one of the other most gentle kindest person I’ve ever known Terri. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Remer MnFoster Family: Deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one, Mark. Our thoughts are with you & our arms are around you. Chery & Smokey
…..friends shaking hands…..saying…how’s it, how’s you………
(What a wonderful World)
I am picturing Mark and my Dad (Joe Welk) playing a serious game of Pinochle (but aren’t they all serious?).
I am grateful that Mark has found peace and I pray that you find peace here on earth until you meet again.
You all are in my prayers.
–Jodi W
Glencoe mn Rest in peace,
I am the daughter of Mr. Mark Foster’s roommate in Vietnam. He has only recently learned of his friend’s passing and sends condolences to the family. He would love to establish contact with the family again if it is possible. If possible and one sees this please share his email address david3211866@aol.com His name is David Beckley.
Thank you so much for your help!