Mark William Foster

Eaton Rapids, Michigan

Born July 4, 1955 in Lansing, Michigan to Rolland and Patricia Foster, passed away January 27, 2012 after a 17 year courageous battle with cancer at the age of 56. Mark was a resident of Lansing area all of his life. He was a heavy equipment supervisor and worked at Motor Wheel for 14 years.

For anyone who did not know Mark, he was a simple gracious man with much class. He was a very hardworking man and really enjoyed his employment when doing highway construction. Mark missed it very much after becoming ill and was no longer able to work. Some of Mark’s favorite interest and hobbies in life included hunting, fishing, ice fishing, being in Florida on the beaches, walking the flea markets, NASCAR races and local speedway tracks.

Mark also enjoyed riding his Harley Davison, football, music, good movies and snowmobiling and always appreciated good humor. He was always there for anyone needing a shoulder to lean on or to help in any way. He always would do his best and was happy to do so. Mark loved his family and friends so very much and absolutely adored his grandsons Kaydan and Gauge, many times giving him purpose to keep pushing on. The children always kept a smile on his face and in his heart.

Mark was a very strong man spiritually, physically and emotionally. In Lansing, Mark was a member and attended Mass at Church of the Resurrection and had a very personal and loving relationship with our Lord. When in Florida he attended Our Lady Star of the Sea. Attending church gave him a very peaceful and easy feeling.

It must not be overlooked to mention Mark’s heartfelt gratitude to his team of personal physicians at Lansing Internal Medicine. Together their professionalism, patience and understanding in going the extra mile for Mark in his unusual and complicated circumstances. They made it possible for Mark to find joy for many years. Mark often mentioned how blessed he was to have them on his side and he appreciated all they had done for him so much with the highest regards. He had a special love for them. Mark made it well known that they are definitely the exception rather than the rule and often said there were no words to express just how grateful he was to them and their staff. Mark also was extremely grateful to all the superior nurses and techs at Sparrow and especially the Palliative Care nurses.

Mark is survived by his wife Cassandra; children, Angela Foster, Mark William (Tiffany Rouser)Foster II, step-children, Matthew Matney and Casey Higbie; grandchildren Kaydan, Gauge and William Foster; 3 brothers, Patrick, Stephen and Jeffrey Foster; sister, Dena Foster and several nieces and nephews. Mark is preceded in death by his parents and former wife, Christine Howard.

A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 1531 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing with the Rev John Fain officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:30-12:30 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com