Jackson Merritt Foster
Jackson Foster
Oskaloosa. Jackson Merritt Foster passed away at home (in the last of the houses he built) on Thursday, August 12, 2010 of Alzheimers. As was his wish, his body has been donated to the University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City. A celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday August 21 from 2 to 4 at the Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Military Rites will be presented at 4 pm.
Jack was born October 9, 1927 in Mt Ayr, IA, to Hugh and Lena (Walter) Foster; he graduated from Mt Ayr High School with the Class of 1945 and enjoyed going back every five years for the class reunion. Jack entered the Army February 1946 and was stationed in Weiden, Germany, assigned to the Constabulary Unit. He was mustered out of the Army in May 1947. After the military, Jack went to work as a lineman, eventually working for Missouri Edison; and in May 1952 started to work for Iowa Power and Light, in Shenandoah. Jack married JoAnn Duben in November 1950, they had two sons, Stephen and Michael, they later divorced. The family moved to Oskaloosa in February 1962 as Jack was transferred with his job. Jack’s hobby was building and remodeling; He designed and built an octagon table, this led to an article being published in February 1964 in the Science and Mechanic Magazine. He designed and built 5 houses, and remodeled 6 others. His favorite part was building custom cabinets and woodwork. Jack married Theressa (Cappellin) Moulder in December 1979 in Oskaloosa; they went on a lot of road trips, to almost every state; and enjoyed a lot of football games. Jack retired from Iowa Power and Light in September 1985; this gave him more time to enjoy his hobby until Alzheimers made it impossible. He also enjoyed watching his sons’ and grandchildren’s sports and school activities; and of course his beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. When not building or remodeling, Jack enjoyed his other hobby of reading. He was a member of IBEW Local 499, the American Legion, and the V.F.W.
Left to mourn Jack is his beloved wife Theressa, son Steve (Rosanne) of Traer, IA/Rome, Italy; their children, Luke (Sarah) Foster and daughter MaryRose, Jill (Matt) Oliver, and Mark (Sarah) Foster. Son Mike (Ginny) of Oskaloosa, their children, Rebecca (Jay) Bock; Kristen (Chris) Fink; Michelle (Nate) Lahner; Daniel (Amanda) Foster and Timothy Foster. A stepdaughter Rhonda Moulder, her children, Nikki (Brian) Morris and daughter Shania; Andrea (Isaac) Wyant and children Elijah & Jewel; Steve Foley and children Jessie, Elizabeth, Jonah; and Alexis (Jordan) Gerrish. A stepson Tony Moulder, his children, Nick Moulder, Chris (Nicolle) Moulder and son Lukas; and Nicolle Mowrey. Stepson Dave (Mari) Moulder their children Corbin and Emily. Stepdaughter Sue Moulder, her daughter Michaela. Also, three nieces, four nephews and one cousin. Four step nieces and six step nephews. Sister-in-law’s; Marguerite Wines of Des Moines; Johanna/Ellis Linn of Denver, CO; Margaret Cappellin of Waco, TX
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Charles Foster and sister Dorothy Loudon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor his memory do so with donations to: Mahaska Hospice, 1225 C Ave. E, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 1730 – 28th St., West Des Moines, IA 50266. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
SOURCE: Bates Funeral Chapel
