Emily W. Foster

Emily Wilma Foster, age 101, passed away at the Atrium in Bloomer, WI on Saturday, February 17, 2018. She was born on November 21, 1916 on a farm near Cass Lake,MN to German immigrants, William and Bertha (Pitchka) Umoske. She was the youngest of seven children. She grew up with a strong work ethic having to milk and herd cows everyday as her father worked for J. Neils Lumber Co to keep food on the table. Her father was a charter member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cass Lake, MN. She married Earl D. Foster in 1934 at the young age of 17. They struggled to get a start on several rented farms before buying a forested piece of property with no buildings in 1940. They built a farm out of the lumber they cut from the property, all the while raising a family. Only two of her 5 children survived beyond one year. Knowing what it was to lose a child Emily taught her children to love and trust the Lord each day. In 1975 they sold their farm in the North woods and moved to New Auburn, WI where they helped Larry and Carol operate a 48 cow dairy and start the Foster Home for Delinquent Boys. Emily loved to look after the calves and loved all animals. She continued her oversight and interest in animals on the farm for the rest of her life. Emily enjoyed helping at the Sand Creek Senior Center w/meals, attending circle and later quilting with The New Hope Comforters until she could no longer thread a needle. She loved gardening and traveling, taking many trips across the country to visit parks and family. She even made a trip to Hawaii when she was 84 with some members of Carol's family.

She is survived by her son: Larry (Carol) Foster of New Auburn, WI, daughter: Joni (John Robert) Barrett of Nacogdoches, TX, 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: William and Bertha; husband, Earl in 1994; 3 infant children: Patricia, John, Curtis; siblings: Freda, Gustave, Anna, John, Walter and Marie.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek, WI. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday before the service. Internment will be in the Zion Cemetery