
Roland Foster, age 82 of Princeton died November 21, 2023 at home. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Monday, November 27th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in Pine Needle Cemetery in McGregor. Memorials preferred to Leukemia Lymphoma Society Research.
Roland James Foster was born March 23, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan, to Arthur and Ruby (Meikle) Foster. In 1952, the family moved to Minnesota. Roland graduated from Anoka High School in 1959. He enlisted in the Navy out of high school and served on the air craft carrier USS Lake Champlain CVS39. He was on the Alan B. Shepard recovery team while serving in the Navy. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Edgarton, in 1963. In 1970, they moved from Anoka to the farm they had bought in Princeton in 1967. Four children were born to the marriage, George, Kristine, Edgar and John. Roland raised Polled Hereford cattle and Hampshire sheep as well as doing crop farming of corn, soybeans and hay during his farming years. He was an Isanti County 4-H project leader for beef and sheep for 27 years. He enjoyed working with the county’s agricultural youth. Roland was a member of the American Legion Post 216 in Princeton, MN Farmer’s Union, Fellowship of Christian Farmers International, and past secretary of the former East Central Minnesota Polled Hereford Association.
Roland died November 21, 2023 at home at the age of 82 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ruby Foster.
Roland is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy; children, George (Joan), Kristine (Mark), Edgar (Jessica), and John Foster; foster daughter, Summer; brother, Maurice (Pat) Foster; 11 grandchildren; 1 step grandchild; 5 great grandchildren; and many dear relatives and friends.
Roland will be missed, it took me a while to break through that thick shell. I finally did and I sure enjoyed Roland, for the man he was. I loved when I could make him laugh or give him such a hard time that he would throw his hands up and walk away. Then I knew I got him. What a great supporter of 4-h, he would do anything to lend a helping hand or teach some kid how to show the cattle. I got to know the big guy, The guy that had a gruff voice, stern look, fact spoken, short to the point answer. He also had a big heart, and if you were lucky enough to see that, you were in. Matter of fact he was really a big softy. I am glad Roland came into our lives, and we shared a lot of great times in 4- h with him and his family.
Roland will be so dearly missed. I have fond memories from childhood, your wedding, and as your family grew. I always looked forward to catching up at family gatherings. My love and condolences to your whole family. Linda Sather Van Slyke
Judy and Family,
How very sad to learn of Roland’s death.
So many fond memories and appreciation for Roland’s style, especially at our Class Reunion meetings over the years.
Roland was very much a part of our
Class.
His commitment and enthusiasm were so strong, as he would express his opinions and suggestions with genuine sincerity.
His lifelong connection and love first of all to family, then to farming, animals and the Earth provide a lasting and loving tribute to him.