Joseph Wayne Foster passed away on October 2, 2012 due to complications from a lengthy illness. Joe was born on January 1, 1936 to Joseph Henry Foster and Stella Mae (Smith) Foster in Three Forks, Montana. This is where he was raised, attended school and graduated in 1955. He then moved to Townsend with his father and brother and worked in a family-owned sawmill and logging business. After the family business closed in 1959, he relocated to Helena and worked at Montana Motor Parts Supply and Valley Motor Supply as a parts salesperson until 1969. Then Joe started working as an apprentice electrician for Allen Electric. In 1995, Joe retired from Allen Electric as a Master Electrician. Joe was a proud member of IBEW 233. He was also a Mason and a member of Ottawa Lodge #51 in Marysville, Montana.
Joe married the love of his life, Sandra “Sandi” Lee Searle, in 1977. Together, they raised 6 children. Joe enjoyed tinkering around the house fixing things or making plans for a new project. He and his wife were avid gardeners and quite often passers-by would stop and ask to see the rose gardens. When Joe was not working around the house, he could be found at Country Kitchen enjoying coffee and trading stories with the fellas. Joe loved telling a good story. As the story grew, so did the size of the fish he caught. Joe had a passion for classic muscle cars. He enjoyed reading about them and fixing them. He was faced with the never-ending task of staying on top of house repairs and keeping vehicles running in a home filled with 6 teenagers. Joe truly was a jack-of-all-trades. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Joe adored spending time with his wife more than anything else and together they loved raising their children and grandchildren.
Joe made friends everywhere he went. He was sociable, had no inhibitions about starting a conversation and inevitably, Joe developed new friendships often. Joe will best be remembered for his genuine personality, positive outlook and contagious jovial laughter. He will be dearly missed.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Sandra Lee “Sandi”. He is survived by his brother, Steven (Cathy) of Watertown, SD; his sister, Rose Ellen (Steve) Dempsey of Townsend; his children Renee Foster, Sean O’Reilly and Stauna O’Reilly of Helena, Stacey O’Reilly Petrey of Arlee, Brett Foster of Nashville, TN, and Mark Foster of Portland, OR; grandchildren Chelsea, Jacob and Dylan Foster, Kyle and Krista O’Reilly, Shealee and Shane Petrey, Mykella and Dani Kunnary, and Chase Gardner; and 3 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the Funeral Home. Memorials in Joe’s name are suggested to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 Rodney, Ste 102m Helena, MT, 59601. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 596025
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Monday October 8, 2012
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 596025
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Gayla Earl says
I’m truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. Cherish the wonderful memories that you have of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rene O'Reilly says
I was sorry to see that Joe passed…I always liked Joe and remember what an amazing couple he and Sandi were. I know she was there to greet him…I wish I could be with you all on Monday, but I am unable to….take care of yourself and each other.
Love, Rene
Sandy and Mary Graveley says
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. I remember how welcome we, as your friends, were at Joe and Sandi’s. And oh how he and Sandy could chat! Remember all the happy times you had.
Terryn O'Reilly says
I was really sorry to hear about Joe. He was a great guy. I remember visits at Country Kitchen with my mom, Joe, and sometimes Sandi and my dad. And I remember how busy their life was with a huge, blended family. Sandi and Joe were a great team. I know they will be again. I like to think that all of them will enjoy a cup and talk old times. I will be thinking of the family. . Great to know the full story of his life. Take care.
Dick Danzer says
I worked with Joe in 1962 and 1963. I’ll always remember him as a great guy; and he was really fun to work with at Valley Motor Supply. We shared a love of cars, my 56 chevy and his 58 Ford. (Mine was faster). I knew him as Wayne in those days. Haven’t seen him for more than 40 years, but I’ll never forget him. A really great guy.
Larry Roberts says
I am an old classmate of Joe’s from Three Forks. After moving to Helena in the mid 60’s our paths crossed several times and we would reminisce about old times and the people we knew. You could never forget his infectious laugh, especially when he got tickled about something. I am truely sorry to hear about Joes passing and want to give our condolence to his family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joe is in a better place now with Sandi. God bless your family.
Our thoughts and blessing to your family.
Love Matt & Mary Kunnary