Colonel Kenneth L. Foster Jr.

Colonel Kenneth L. Foster Jr. passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of July 11, 2025. He was 80 years old.

Ken was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 8, 1945, the elder son of Kenneth and Donna (Juranek) Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Foster, Maureen Barr, and Marty Maginel, and wife of 50 years, Beth. He passed from complications of sarcoidosis.

Ken’s adventurous spirit emerged early in life. In the summer of 1960, at just 15, he and a friend biked hundreds of miles across Illinois and Iowa—on nothing but state roads and highways. He graduated from Thornridge High School in 1963 and went on to attend Parsons College, where he played on the football team and made many lasting friendships as a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Ken graduated from Parsons College in 1967. A lifelong hockey lover, Ken played for the Junior Red Wings after attending a hockey school in Detroit.

After college, Ken enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed basic training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Beth. Following 13 months of service in Vietnam as a Second Lieutenant, Ken returned home, and he and Beth were married in 1970. They eventually settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ken earned a master’s degree in history from Western Michigan University and built a successful civilian career as a Market Manager with Dundee Cement Company, which later became Holnam and ultimately Holcim. He also continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1969 until his retirement in the mid-1990s, achieving the rank of Colonel.

Ken’s life was marked by deep faith, love for family, and genuine connection with others. He had a passion for golf, world travel (especially cruises with Beth), and for all foods pecan related. He was known for his thoughtful selection of the perfect greeting card for every occasion and for staying in close contact with his wide circle of friends and family.

Ken is survived by his three daughters; Sarah (Keith) Phillips of Ellicott City, MD and their sons, Ethan, Liam and Gavin; Lindsay (James) Brady of Oswego, IL and their daughters Sophia and Emma; and Julie (Brett) Keck of Cedar, MI and their twin daughters, Chloe and Meredith, and Hannah; his sister Mary (Buffy) Villar of Mandeville, LA; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved dearly and tried to see as often as possible.

Ken and Beth were founding members of Thornapple Covenant Church in Cascade Township, where they found deep spiritual community and served faithfully since 1979.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the following: Folds of Honor, Department 13, Tulsa, OK 74182 or by calling 918-274-4700; or Thornapple Covenant Church, 6595 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Emmanuel Hospice and to Ken’s devoted caregivers—Cindy Gallup, and Tiffany and Kim from Meca’s Angels—for their loving and compassionate support.

Funeral services will be held Thursday July 17, 2025, at 11am at Thornapple Covenant Church with visitation one-hour prior. Julia Sandstrom and Steve Armfield, co-officiants. Honor Guard Ceremony and interment at 1:30 pm, at Cascade Township Cemetery, 7200 30th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.