David "Dave" Foster

David Duane “Dave” Foster, affectionately known as Dad, Grandpa, Gramps and “Boppa,” passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice Care in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. He was 88 years old and surrounded by family.

Dave was born on February 25, 1937, in Milwaukee to Rex and Germaine Foster. From a young age, he understood the value of hard work. As a boy, he spent summers 200 miles from home working at a cannery, picking string beans for fifty cents an hour.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in mathematics and physical education. Dave went on to build a successful career in insurance sales with New York Life and National Guardian Life. His drive and talent earned him numerous awards, including membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table.

Outside of work, Dave was a passionate coach and sports enthusiast. He coached his children in various sports, including a standout Little League baseball team. In the 1970s, he introduced his family to tennis at the Madison Racquet Club (now John Powless Tennis Center), sparking a lifelong love of the game. His sons, Scott and Tim, went on to play Division I college tennis—Scott at the University of Kentucky and Tim at the University of Florida. Dave and Scott also competed together in the U.S. Open Father and Son Tennis Tournament. His daughter Cindy fondly remembers her dad being at every swim meet and tennis match throughout her childhood. He found great pride in encouraging and supporting his children in all their pursuits.

When his children began having families of their own, Dave embraced his role as a grandfather with the same energy and devotion he had shown as a father. He took every opportunity to visit his grandchildren in Cincinnati, Chicago, and Madison. He played with them, attended their events, and supported their interests with enthusiasm and pride. They became his greatest joy—just as cherished as his own children had been. His love for his grandchildren was returned in full measure—they adored him just as deeply as he cherished them.

Dave was known for his warmth, friendliness, and outgoing nature. He never hesitated to strike up a conversation—whether at a sporting event or with a stranger on a plane. In later years, he found joy in trips to the dog park with his beloved dogs Bobby, Birkus, and Feebus; helping with his partner Norma’s antique business; and cheering on UW women’s volleyball and other Wisconsin Badgers teams. He even bought extra season tickets so friends and family could join him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Germaine; his sister, Sandy Miller; his brother-in-law, Bob Waltz, who had been both a high school football teammate and college roommate; and his granddaughter Ann Marie Foster. He is survived by his loving partner of 42 years, Norma Baitman; his siblings Deanna Waltz, Suzanne (Carl) Stock, and Syd (Kathy) Foster; his brother-in-law Duane Miller; his children Scott (Sue Ann) Foster, Tim (Becky) Foster, and Cindy (Craig) Streifel; his nine grandchildren—Alexa (Greg) Bell, Kelly (Steve) Gray, Griffin Foster, Amanda (Michael) Paulik, Sarah (Aaron) Dorsten, Ellie (Quinn) Armstrong, Connor Streifel, Cami Streifel, and Colton Streifel; along with seven great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by Norma’s children Scott (Jennifer) Underberg, Ron (Zoe) Underberg, and granddaughter, Lauren Underberg.

Dave will be remembered for his unconditional love, forgiving nature, and playful spirit. His sense of humor and his favorite saying—“Do all the nice things with kids; then the kids will bring their kids home”—live on in the generations he nurtured. He leaves behind not only memories, but a lasting presence in the hearts of his family.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held in the summer of 2026 at one of his favorite spots in Madison. A plaque will also be placed at the Jefferson County Dog Park in his honor.

Any correspondence may be sent to Tim Foster, 3046 Spencer Hill Ln., Cincinnati, OH 45226, or by email at Tim_Foster2@icloud.com.