On the evening of December 29th, 2021, Gerald “Jerry” Lee Foster passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena MT as a result of a 2-week battle with an infection. He was 85 years old.
Jerry was born on May 14th, 1936, in a log cabin located on Main Street in East Helena. He liked to brag that this fact made him one of a handful of true “East Helena Natives”. He was the second of four sons born of Lucile and Eugene Foster.
Jerry grew up with his three brothers in East Helena playing sports and working on his Aunt and Uncle’s farm. He attended Helena High School graduating in 1954. While in High School he actively participated in football, basketball and track as a pole vaulter. His true passion, though, was baseball and he coached several little league teams in East Helena. His athletic prowess earned him three inductions into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame. One as a member of the 1952 Helena Bengals State Championship Track Team, and two as a member of the 1956 and 1959 East Helena Smelterites Copper League Baseball Team. It was during this time that Jerry passed the East Helena “rite of passage” earning the nickname “Ozie” (pronounced Oh-zee). The origins of this name are unknown but it is how he is still referred to by many of his longtime friends.
It was in High School that Jerry met his lifelong soulmate Florence “Floss” Stansell whom he married on September 13, 1958. They were married for 60 years raising 3 boys in East Helena until her passing September 21, 2018.
Jerry studied Business Administration at Carroll College working part time for the State of Montana while attending school. He also served in the US Army Reserves from 1954 to 1958.
He began his professional career with the State of Montana in 1963 where he retired in 1992 as an Administrator for the Montana Department of Revenue, Natural Resource and Corporation Tax Division. Upon retirement Jerry travelled to Mesa, AZ with Floss. They left in mid-October to spend the winter playing golf and enjoying the sunshine, then returned each spring for Jerry to complete tax returns for many of his friends.
Jerry loved Montana and its outdoor beauty. He spent many weekends towing his camper around the state for outings with his family and the East Helena crew that often accompanied them. His favorite trips were to Seeley Lake for a week with the family each year. He enjoyed hiking and hunting upland birds, but loved creek fishing. Whenever he displayed a fine catch to one of his friends, they would often ask where he caught them. Jerry would take great delight, smiling as he answered, “Plunket Lake”. “Where is that?” they would ask. “Just over Notellem Ridge!” he would reply. He enjoyed golfing and swapping stories over a libation at the nineteenth hole with friends. He loved to tease and was happy to receive quips in response.
Jerry is now reunited with the love of his life, Floss. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Lucile Foster, as well as brothers, Dave and Wayne Foster.
He is survived by his sons – Richard “Rick” (Maureen) Foster, Terry Foster, and Ken (Monica) Foster; his brother – Keith Foster; his Grandchildren – Breanna (Ian) Caldwell, Samantha (Charles) Horinek, Colten Foster, Nicholas “Nick” Foster, Brian Foster; and his Great Grandson – Zack Horinek.
Other survivors include Nieces – Michelle (Jeff Tollefson) Foster, Dierdre (Hal) Radcliffe; Nephews – Shawn Foster, Tom (Elaine) Cahill, David Cahill, Tim (Debbie) Stansell; and Sister-in-Law – Ruby Foster.
In lieu of flower, please consider a donation in Jerry’s name to The American Cancer Society, The National Hemophilia Foundation, The Lewis & Clark Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Touchmark for making Jerry feel special with the love and compassion they showed him over the past year and to all the friends who’s outpouring of love and support have lightened our hearts.
A service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21st at the Fort Harrison Service Club.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11 a.m.
Saturday May 21, 2022
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11 a.m.
Saturday May 21, 2022
Service Club
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Dudley Williams says
Another good friend gone. RIP Jerry , say hi to Flos when you connect again.
Mary Kay Bennett says
We are so sorry to hear about Jerry.
Bright, tough and fair..my husband’s words after hearings with the Dept. Of Revenue. George had a deep respect for him & talked about him often through the years.
I can see Jerry & Floss dancing in heaven.
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Rita demars says
Came to know Jerry and Floss through golfing which led to many fun times on the courses in Helena and Mesa AZ. They were such great hosts of many evenings around the firepit made from an old washing machine tub and had the best recipe for tom and Jerry’s served during holiday parties. He had the greatest laugh!! Enjoy the next round on the “Out of this World” golf course!, missing you both, dear friends.
Randy Dix says
Jerry was my first boss at DOR in 1980. He was always helpful, instructive and patient as I knew virtually nothing about corporate tax law when I started. I will remember Jerry and Tom Still with deep affection. Both gracious, warm and generous of spirit.
When Jerry enforced the law, he was unflinching. He remains a credit to the State of Montana and to this community.
Scott Moe says
Rick and Ken, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was always happy to see him as he had a great sense of humor and always made me laugh even in sad times. He will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Moe
Linda and Bob Braun says
Jerry and Floss were part of a special group of friends known originally as the Haps girls, dating back to the wives’ class of 1956. This close group of friends got together frequently—even when in Arizona where Jerry and Floss had a winter place. Rest In Peace Jerry!!
Tom and Katie says
It has been a pleasure being neighbors with the Foster Family for the past 37 years. We will miss the many backyard conversations we had with Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Mahoneys’
Steve & Wanda Arlint says
Rick, sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Sounds like he had a rich and full life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy Kovich says
Rick and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. I did not know your Dad but heard about him and your frequent stops at their house. May all the special memories replace your sorrow as time passes. Bless his journey.
Cathy Kovich says
Rick and family, so sorry for your loss. I did not know your Dad but heard many stories including frequent stops to visit and “have one”. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bless his journey.
Vanessa Tolson says
Jerry was a great guy, always a smile and kind word. So sorry for your loss.
Dan Elliott says
Jerry was my first boss at Corporation Tax where I worked as a tax auditor in the mid-late 1970’s. He was great! I always really enjoyed meeting him around town after I left DOR. I can’t imagine working for a better boss as I began my career!
Christy Berg says
Gerry was my boss at the Department of Revenue in the 70’s. I remember him as fair, kind and respectful. God bless his Family.
M. Dayle D Perrin says
Floss and Jerry were my next door neighbors for all the years I have lived in East Helena. They helped make this neighborhood a great place to be. Floss was always up for a quick visit and Jerry generously offered the riches of his garden for many years. In later years, he offered me the opportunity to learn lots about gardening from him and a place to practice what I learned. It was an absolute pleasure to be included in their lives for visits, a G &T or a cold beer as I pulled a few weeds in that beloved garden spot.
Nancy Burnham says
Graduated from high school with both Jerry and Floss
Sally Nyland says
Rick, Ken and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. I first met Jerry when I went to work for the State Department of Revenue (Miscellaneous Tax Division) back in the 70’s. Jerry was such a great guy. He always had a great smile and a unique personality. Rest in peace my friend.
Randy Williams says
Fond memories of Gerry…May he rest in peace and reunite with Floss.
Doug Stipcich says
Rick, Terry and Ken,
I am saddened to learn of your fathers recent passing. Another one of the good ole boys of East Helena gone way too soon. I have nothing but positive memories of both he and your mother. Good people to say the least. I had to chuckle a little bit with the creek fishing spot because it was spot on. He never would tell anyone about his good holes. May you all be able to find some peace in knowing that he is now reunited with your mother. I have little doubt that he and my dad and a whole bunch of the old East Helena gang with sit down from time to time and have a cool one. RIP Jerry.
Rod Applegate says
Rick, Maureen and the Foster Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Don’t let the memories fade, and know that your friends are always with you!
Roberta Stipcich says
Rick and Ken: I was shocked to hear about your Dad. Joe and I always admired both him and your mom. They were such good people, always willing to do anything they could for anybody. Joe always looked forward to spending hunting days with your Dad up at the cabin. He will be missed by all who loved and respected him. My deepest condolences to your entire family at this sad time.
Dave Woodgerd says
Among his other accomplishments, Jerky brought millions of dollars in tax revenue to the State of Montana from out-of-state corporations with savvy and tenacity. He was highly respected by both his peers from other state revenue departments and his corporate adversaries adversaries. It was an honor to have worked with him.
Jeff Miller says
To all the Foster family. I am very sorry for your loss, Jerry was an extraordinary guy.
I too had the great good fortune of not only working for him for more than a decade at Revenue, but also the pure fun of spending time with him fishing “just over the ridge” at Plunket Lake using his carefully guarded secret of a “smelter sinker”, double hooks and the illusive bull heads. Those times were fantastic fun and so memorable. My sincere hope for you is that your lifetime of great memories of Jerry will heal the grief you are feeling.
RIP Jerry you made a positive difference in so many ways.
Jay Reardon says
Rick and Kenny I was so sorry to here of your dad’s passing. I have fond memories of the conversations I had over the years with your dad. They always began with how ya doing kid. Whether it was sports, hunting, fishing or a serious political discussion it was always a pleasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Bill Dolan says
Rick,Terry, and Kenny, On behalf of the Dolan family, we send our condolences on your Dad’s passing. Some of my fondest memories of growing up in East Helena include your Dad and Mom and playing for the Red Sox Pee Wee League baseball team. Gerry (the Giant) and Kank (the Yank) were the best coaches anyone could ask for. We were all so proud to be from E.H. and loved sticking it to the Helena teams. Jerry taught us to compete and to never quit trying to improve. Believe me, we only had root beers after a victory, losing wasn’t acceptable. I’ll never forget my trip with your family to California and seeing my first major league baseball games. I can still remember the Dodgers beating the Cards 1-0. It’s so tough to lose such a great man, but we were all better off for knowing Jerry. To quote Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives”. Jerry had a profound impact on the youth of East Helena. Rest in peace, Jerry. You will be missed.
Greg Hirschey says
Rick, Ken, Monica and family,
Since moving from the 227, life has passed incredibly fast. I have always missed our days growing up together and looked forward to the days I return back to MT. I just learned the sad news that your Pops had passed and reflected back to fond memories. I am deeply saddened and can only convey my sympathies and prayers for your families at this time. I know he will be greatly missed but rest assured he is smiling down with your Mom by his side. God bless you guys and til our paths cross again.
Toni and Jeff Condon says
Jeff and Toni will miss Jerry—we created many memories with him and Floss over the years along with our close group of “Helena” friends—lots of reunions and trips to Europe and just hanging around with them in their back yard—eating Jerry’s famous ribs. We shared so many laughs and also tears.
Donna Elford says
Dear Foster Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of the Jerry, what a amazing person, he and Floss would make me laugh so hardtheir story their joy was contagious. He always had his million dollar smile, even the last time I saw him at Floss’s service. Praying for you all as you transition through his departure to glory.
Diane Trankel says
Ricky, I was looking at another obituary and ran across your Father. I’m so sorry to hear. I wanted to reach out to you on facebook or something but I couldn’t find you. I hope you’ll see my message here and know that I’m thinking of you. Again, truly sorry to hear. He was a very nice man.