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Funeral services will take place on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota

Monday, June 21, 2021 - 3:00 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota
A visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at the United Methodist Church in Wall.



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In memory of

Bernard Foster

of Wall, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Avantara Mountain View Assisted Living Center in Rapid City at the age of 94

Bernard Michael Foster was born June 27, 1926, in Lead, South Dakota, the youngest of four children born to John W. and Katherine (Volz) Foster. He was raised on the family farm-ranch nine miles northwest of Wall. He attended Cedar Canyon Rural School for his elementary education. He attended Lead High School for one year, then Wall High School where he graduated in 1944.

Bernard worked on the home place with his father and as a hired hand for neighbors until entering the United States Army in 1954. After being honorably discharged in 1956, he returned to the ranch and started working as a carpenter, for Lambert-Byerly Construction and later for Estes Brothers Construction.

Bernard and Marjorie (Webb) Hughes were married July 19, 1963, in Montgomery, Alabama. His marriage not only brought home a wife but also a daughter Janis, age 14. In 1967, he went to work as a part-time clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Wall and Rapid City. In August 1977, he was appointed Postmaster of the Interior, South Dakota Post Office, where he served until his retirement in December 1988. After a long battle with cancer, Marjorie passed away on May 27, 1988.

Bernard and Natalie (Pederson) Wermager were united in marriage November 29, 1991, in Wall. Natalie suffered a stroke in 2001 and passed away January 21, 2010.

Bernard was an avid hunter, fisherman, and enjoyed golf. Other hobbies included doing oil paintings and Norwegian Chip Carving. He umpired slow-pitch softball at both local and state levels for several years.

He was a member of the Wall United Methodist Church, a Past Commander of American Legion Post #246, DAV, a Past Master of Masonic Crescent Lodge #210, Shrine of Democracy Barber Shop Chorus of Rapid City, and a 40+ year member of the Wall Methodist Church Choir.

Survivors include his son Kevin Foster (Kara) of Rapid City, one daughter Janis Yager (Robert) of Zephyrhills, Florida; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-nephews; two step-daughters; nine step-grandchildren; and eight-step-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the two loves of his life, Marjorie and Natalie; two sisters Naomi and Mae; brother James; step-daughter Sandra; niece Verda; and brother-in-law Jack.

A visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at the United Methodist Church in Wall.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 21, at the United Methodist Church in Wall with Pastor Russell Masartis officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 21, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the Wall Volunteer Fire Department, the Wall Methodist Church, or the donors favorite charity in Bernard's honor.

VISITATION
Sunday, June 20, 2021 - 4-6 p.m.
United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, June 21, 2021 - 11:00 a.m.
United Methodist Church
Wall, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Russell Masartis

MUSIC
Methodist Heavenly Choir - Vocalists
Cheryl Walker - Pianist
“Amazing Grace” - “In The Garden”
Arla Olson - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Hymn of Promise” - “How Great Thou Art”
“The Old Rugged Cross”

USHERS
Jerry Johannesen - Wayne Davis

PALLBEARERS
Paul Paulsen - Norman Eisenbraun - Tim Fast
Grant Holub - Scott Patterson - Pete Dunker

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Monday, June 21, 2021 - 3:00 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

  • Kevin
    My sympathy goes out to you on the passing of your father. He always seemed to have a smile on his face - keep the memories close to your heart.     ~ Lea Willuweit Ymker armour SD (6/24/2021)
  • Some of my fondest childhood memories are of taking trips with my Grandmother and Grandfather to see Gramps during the summers. I loved listening to all his stories and I just wish I had been able to be even closer to him. Truly an amazing man has left this world. Rest in peace, Gramps. We love you. ~ Rachel Massa West Hurley, NY (6/21/2021)
  • Kevin, My sympathy on the passing of your father. I will always remember your father as one who spent countless hours with us in little league baseball. He was always transporting us to and from games as far as Four Corners and Wanblee. He always took the time to communicate with you no matter how busy. I will remember him taking you and I to a number of Post 22 games in Rapid City---that was a big deal back then!!! In his later years, I had the opportunity to work with him as he helped us with remodeling projects at the motel. Always jovial and kept things interesting. He will be missed. Take care, Jeff ~ Jeff M Peters Sioux Falls (6/21/2021)
  • I don't know how this tradition started but for many many years at Christmas Terry and Bernard exchanged an empty decorated wrapping paper roll. Snuck around hanging on each other's doors! One year it would be at our house, the next back to Bernard's! Fun times. My sympathy to Bernard's family. ~ Sue Peters Wall, SD (6/21/2021)
  • Janis & Kevin Sorry to hear of your Father's death. Will miss him around Wall. His smile always greeted you where ever you met him. I remember the many times we presented the flags at different functions. The things we did together in the American Legion. Bernard will missed by the many paths that crossed with everyone. Will meet each other some day in Our Father's home. RIP my friend and will see you. ~ Van & Cathy Simpfenderfer Wall, SD (6/18/2021)
  • Bernard was a special neighbor...we enjoyed his stories and have missed him since he moved to Rapid City...he holds a special place in our hearts. ~ Casey and Marlene McMillan Wall, SD (6/18/2021)
  • Dear Kevin - I'm sending Love & Hugs. Your family was SPECIAL to us!! ~ Dorothy (Stuchlik) Wiederhold Rapid City, SD (6/17/2021)
  • Kevin, sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I enjoyed singing with him in the Wall Methodist Church Choir many years ago. ~ Lee Ferguson Colton (6/17/2021)
  • My Deepest Sympathy. Sending prayers for all of you. ~ Fawna (Geigle) Goff Sturgis, SD (6/17/2021)
  • So sorry for your loss enjoyed many cups of coffee with Bernie. ~ Rev. Michael Hight Wall SD (6/17/2021)
  • I am so sorry ,Bernard Wes my uncle when married to Natalie He was a very interesting man and he will be truly missed missed ~ Jeffrey Sisk Ingalls In (6/17/2021)
  • So sorry to hear of Bernard passing. I always enjoyed being around Bernard singing in church or the Shrine of Democracy Chorus. He will long be remembered by me. Love and prayers for the family. ~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael 301 E. 5th St. Oakland, NE (6/17/2021)