Robert Samuel Foerster Jr (Bob)

Robert Samuel Foerster Jr. (Bob), husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, just days before his 89th birthday. Born in Chicago on November 21, 1936, he grew up between Chicago and New Jersey, where he lived with his parents during his father’s engineering career. His early education included time at Morgan Park Military Academy, and he later pursued higher education at Purdue University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1961. He went on to complete a master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering at San Jose State University in 1970.

He began his career as an industrial engineer with United Airlines in Chicago and San Francisco, where he worked on early computer programming and regression analysis. He later worked in technology at several companies, contributing to advancements in programming, microelectronics, and systems engineering. His work was marked by curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to solving complex problems.

In 1958, while studying at Purdue University, Bob met and married his first wife, Joan. They shared many years together until her passing in 2002, and together they raised three children: Jim (married to Celia), Kathy (deceased), and Sue (married to Jeff). During those years, he supported youth organizations by coaching soccer and little league, and encouraged his children’s involvement in Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, and Rainbow Girls. He was also active in the Masonic Fraternity and Eastern Star. He was a proud grandfather to Robert and Jonathon.

In 2005, he married his second wife, Beryl, and welcomed her daughter Sarah into his life as a stepdaughter. That same year, he moved to Hawaii, embracing a new chapter surrounded by beauty and peace. He found satisfaction in running his coffee farm, successfully growing and selling his coffee for several years. The farm brought him connection, both through the work itself and the friendships he built along the way. His faith was also an important part of this season, and he became active at Christ Church. He served several terms on the vestry, including as senior warden, and volunteered as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He also supported the church behind the scenes, helping with the counting of offerings. These roles reflected his steady commitment to community and faith.

Services will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Episcopal Kona, 81‑1004 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua, Hawaii.