Bernard Michael Foster
Bernard Michael Foster was born June 27, 1926, in Lead, South Dakota, the youngest of four children born to John W. and Katherine (Volz) Foster. He was raised on the family farm-ranch nine miles northwest of Wall. He attended Cedar Canyon Rural School for his elementary education. He attended Lead High School for one year, then Wall High School where he graduated in 1944.
Bernard worked on the home place with his father and as a hired hand for neighbors until entering the United States Army in 1954. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to the ranch and started working as a carpenter, for Lambert-Byerly Construction and later for Estes Brothers Construction.
Bernard and Marjorie (Webb) Hughes were married July 19, 1963, in Montgomery, Alabama. His marriage not only brought home a wife but also a daughter Janis, age 14. In 1967, he went to work as a part-time clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Wall and Rapid City. In August 1977, he was appointed Postmaster of the Interior, South Dakota Post Office, where he served until his retirement in December 1988. After a long battle with cancer, Marjorie passed away on May 27, 1988.
Bernard and Natalie (Pederson) Wermager were united in marriage November 29, 1991, in Wall. Natalie suffered a stroke in 2001 and passed away January 21, 2010.
Bernard was an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed golf. Other hobbies included doing oil paintings and Norwegian Chip Carving. He umpired slow-pitch softball at both local and state levels for several years.
He was a member of the Wall United Methodist Church, a Past Commander of American Legion Post #246, DAV, a Past Master of Masonic Crescent Lodge #210, Shrine of Democracy Barber Shop Chorus of Rapid City, and a 40+ year member of the Wall Methodist Church Choir.
Survivors include his son Kevin Foster (Kara) of Rapid City, one daughter Janis Yager (Robert) of Zephyrhills, Florida; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-nephews; two step-daughters; nine step-grandchildren; and eight-step-great -grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; the two loves of his life, Marjorie and Natalie; two sisters Naomi and Mae; brother James; step-daughter Sandra; niece Verda; and brother-in-law Jack.
A visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at the United Methodist Church in Wall.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, at the United Methodist Church in Wall with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.
Interment with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 21, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the Wall Volunteer Fire Department, the Wall Methodist Church, or the donor’s favorite charity in Bernard's honor.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.
