Lloyd Gale Foster (86) of Shumway

Lloyd Gale Foster, 86, of rural Shumway, IL, passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 after struggling with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. His family has the comfort and certainty that Lloyd is with his Savior Jesus. They will cherish the memories of his kind gentle spirit and his willingness to help others.

Lloyd was born Feb. 18, 1934 at his parent’s home in Jasper County. He was the third of five children born to Benjamin Franklin Foster and Oral Dean Wetherholt Foster. Lloyd attended Jasper County schools graduating in 1952 from Newton High School. After graduation, he worked for Caterpillar and Valspar Paint Company. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 and was stationed in Berlin, Germany. After being honorably discharged he began employment at Norge, which later became Fedders, in Effingham, IL for 40 years. He also farmed part time with Merilyn’s family after they were married. Not willing to fully retire, in 1998 he formed ArtCraft Press Printing Company. Because of health issues, Lloyd closed the company in August, 2019.

Lloyd met his wife, Merilyn Soltwedel on a blind date and was married October 25, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Shumway by Pastor Braunschweig. Together they had no children but loved children, especially their nieces, nephews and neighbor’s children. Lloyd was always the life of family reunions leading the children in a game of Chicken or softball. He and Merilyn would accompany the church youth groups on camping and canoeing trips. His favorite card game was Rook and he continued to enjoy playing with his church buddies until very recently. He would never turn down a game of cards with whoever would be his partner.

Lloyd remained faithful to his Christian upbringing with memberships at Latona Church of Christ and later at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway. Lloyd was also very active in his community serving as Summit Township Supervisor, as an Effingham County Board member, an active member of the Effingham County Republican Party, the Shumway Fire Board, and as Chairman of his Faith Lutheran Church congregation.

Survivors include his wife Merilyn and their special dog Molly; sisters, Joyce Sparks, Evelyn Colwell, and Pamela Foster; in-laws, Norbert (Linda) Soltwedel, Delbert (Beverly) Soltwedel, and Patsy (Don) Latch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Franklin Foster and Oral Dean Wetherholt Foster; brother, Alvin Gene; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Marguerite Soltwedel.

Funeral services with be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday prior to the service at the church. Merilyn invites all who wish to honor Lloyd to the visitation and funeral service at Faith Lutheran, Shumway. Covid restrictions will be followed. Following the funeral service, burial with military rites will be held at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Shumway. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

In lieu of flowers, Merilyn requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.