Robert Eugene Foster

Robert E. Foster, Bob, 88, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on December 9, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Charles and Bertha (Birmingham) Foster. He was a lifelong resident of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Bob was baptized and confirmed at West Des Moines Christian Church. He attended Valley High School and worked as a bricklayer. He was drafted into the Army in 1960 and served two years of active duty in Germany. Upon his return from Germany, he served an additional four years in the reserves. As a bricklayer, he worked independently until he joined Wolfe Masonary as a foreman.

On April 23, 1966, he married Arlene Sigmon at West Des Moines Christian Church. They shared 60 years of marriage. From this union, they were blessed with two children, Donald and Pamela.

Bob was a devoted husband, loving father, and a man of faith. He was an active member of Lutheran Church of Hope, where he participated in the Sunshine Club, Alpha, Bible Study, Freedom of Youth, and Taste of Hope's Fishing Derby. The Sunshine Club held Bible study at local nursing homes, and he enjoyed sharing a dad joke at the beginning of each session. When driving Arlene to run errands, he always read his Bible while patiently waiting. The couple enjoyed watching all types of sports, and he was a fan of whatever team she was following.

Bob enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, trapping, being with family, and pursuing his artistic outlets. He was a talented wood carver and painter. He sold his carvings as collectibles under the name, Bob Foster Fish Decoys, and they have been featured in books. He liked to follow the online auctions of his carvings of fish, frogs, and ducks. Friends and family were often fortunate recipients of these treasures. He recently painted antique tackle boxes with fish. He cherished his family time, especially the holidays, Friday lunches, and the cousin breakfasts. He believed that a good meal with family and friends strengthened all relationships. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he shared needed wisdom and advice.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bertha Foster; father-in-law and mother-in-law, JC and Stella Sigmon; brother and his wife, Junior (Charles) and Ruth Foster.

Survivors include his wife and children, Don (Carol) Foster of Dallas Center, Iowa; and Pam Foster of West Des Moines, Iowa. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ardith Sigmon of Des Moines, Iowa, and Eleanor Sigmon of Auburn, Iowa, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Honorary pallbearers are Frank Bailey, Jimmy Birmingham, Kristi (Foster) Porter, Bob Rushing, Clint Sigmon, and Mark Sigmon.

Bob will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Lutheran Church of Hope.