Eugene M. Foster was born on June 17, 1928, to James L. and Hazel E. Foster.  He grew up in Sparta, Wisconsin.  Eugene married Shirley Luedtke in July, 1952.  They lived in La Crosse with their children. He served in World War II and the Korean War, and retired from the Army reserves after 20 years service.  He worked at Trane Company in La Crosse for 40 years, retiring in 1988.   They celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary this year.

Eugene passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 86 years, 4 months and 29 days.   He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, who passed away on August 28, 2014.   Also preceded in death by his parents, his sister and her husband, Anna and James Vietti, his sister, Kathleen Hendricks; and his brothers James and Charles.

He is survived by his children, Lonnie (Christi), Lorri, Jeanne (Andrew), Charles (Charlene), and Steven (Susan); 11 grandchildren, Salina, Shawn (Stacey), Colin, Carley, Willie, Desiree, Alex, Amber, Megan, Joe, and Emma; 12 great- grandchildren, Taylor, Trenton, Ava, Grace, Jalen, Jace, Marqes, Calli, Savaahn, Savaahna, Devon and Jaxson; and one great-great-grandchild, Olivia; sisters-in- law Helen Clark, Carmen Konop, Marge Bathke Witt, Hattie (Walter) Crook, Mary (Jerry) Cervinski, Dona (Dennis) Kronberg,  Connie (David) Libke, Cheryl (Ron) Hemker, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A celebration of Eugene’s life will be held at VFW Thomas Rooney Post, 630 Sixth Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601 on Friday, December 19 from 4-9 pm

A private family burial will be held at a later date in Mt Hope Cemetery, Sparta.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Health Systems Hospice LaCrosse and a special thank you to Rebecca Ehlers, who assisted the family in caring for Eugene.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Crosse- Eugene Malcolm Foster, 86, died Tuesday, December 16, 2014 in his home.