Alan J. Foster, aged 58, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka of pancreatic cancer.
Born on January 2, 1965, in Topeka, Alan was the son of Robert and Sally (Glotzbach) Foster. He graduated from Washburn Rural High School, Highland Community College in 1985, and Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1987.
At the age of 14, Alan began his agricultural career on Uncle David and Aunt Virginia Foster’s farm near Rossville, spending summers living and learning and became like brothers to Andy, Adam and other hired hands.
Alan was a Corporate Parts Inventory Analyst for Prairie Land Partners John Deere, while serving in this capacity he was honored to serve on the John Deere Parts Lead User Group. Alan had previously worked as a Parts Manager for Concordia Tractor, Inc and Kaw Valley Equipment in Wamego, at Farmers Union Hardware & Implement in St. Marys and Murphy Tractor in Topeka. He was a Parts Man at Caldwell's Incorporated in Topeka. Alan also worked for a time at Caterpillar Work Tools in Wamego. Throughout his life, Alan believed in the future of farming and was always excited for the next innovation.
Alan also believed in his children and did whatever he could to support their growth whether it be assisting in coaching activities, being a camp counselor, helping with a fundraiser or just yelling from the bleachers. He was always there for them whether it be a football game in an ice storm or a hours long trip to Nebraska to watch a short race.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Foster. Alan is survived by his loving wife Ann, whom he married on April 30, 1988. Other survivors include his son, Perry (Breaira) Foster of Rossville; his daughter, Amelia Foster of Rossville; his mother, Sally Foster of Topeka; and three sisters, Anita (Chad) Sidesinger, Mary (Larry) Heffern, and Karen (Aaron) Anderson, all of Topeka.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Rossville, at 10 A.M. with burial in the Foster Family Cemetery, Topeka. Alan will lie in state on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the church, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the 7:00 P.M. Rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Rossville Community Library, or Rock Springs 4-H Center and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536. To leave online condolences, visit www.piperfuneralhome.com.
