Ronald Wayne Foster

Ronald (Ron) Wayne Foster passed away comfortably in his lake home on Monday, August 29, 2022. He was 83.

Ron was born on September 11, 1938 in Aurora, Illinois. He attended West Aurora High School, Colorado College, and Aurora College. He worked his way through school while studying economics.

He served in the US Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Ron met the love of his life, Sharlene Bank, in 6th grade. They officially began dating in 1961 and married in 1965. In 1967 they welcomed their first son Craig and then son Daniel in 1972.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman. His love for the Northwoods began as a child. His father Wayne and mother Margaret vacationed in Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin for decades. Ron eventually purchased a cabin for his own family in the early 1980’s. His legacy of the love for the Northwoods is evident as his family continues to use and enjoy the cabin to this day.

After several years working in the sporting goods industry as a manufacturers representative and division manager, Ron started his business, Hodgman. His vocation was truly his advocation. The business grew from it’s founding in 1979 until he sold it in 2005. The successful business endeavor afforded Ron, and often times his sons and wife, many opportunities to hunt, fish and experience people and culture within the United States and in several countries throughout the world. Aside from the outdoors, Ron enjoyed reading history, appreciating fine art, music, theatre and sharing time with family and friends. He enjoyed playing championship level racquetball at the YMCA, where he served on the board of directors. He also enjoyed tennis, jogging and swimming. Ron was known to smoke a cigar and sip a martini from time to time. He may have had a thing or two to say about politics as well.

Ron is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharlene, son Craig (Terri) Foster, son Daniel (Jennifer) Foster, sisters Barbara, Carol, Kim, Margaret Ann and Sarah, several nephews and nieces, his beloved grandchildren, Austin, Kyle, Daniel Jr., Emily, great-grandchild Jane and countless extended family and friends.

He was proceeded in death by parents Wayne and Margaret Foster and brother-in-law John Bank.

Memorial Gathering for Ron will be held at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel, 1025 Margaret Street, Woodruff Wisconsin on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Memorial Service at 11:00 am.