Virgil Dale Foster

Virgil Dale Foster, 99, of St. Anne, Illinois, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a family who adored him. The son of Maud and Vernon Foster, he was the eldest of 7 children born in Newton, Illinois. Virgil was a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church in St. Anne and proudly served his country as a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He carried with him the strength, discipline, and quiet determination characteristic of his generation. In his early years, Virgil’s love of fast cars led him to own and operate a gas station in St. Anne. He spent most of his career as a skilled union pipefitter until he retired at 55. Retirement, however, never meant sitting still. He became the landlord of Foster Apartments in St. Anne, where his hands-on approach and pride in his work continued until his passing. Born with a natural talent for working with his hands, Virgil not only built two of his own homes, but he also dedicated his time and skills to his family. He went on to assist in the construction of homes for his brother, nephew, and son, while also lending a hand with countless family renovations. This same passion for craftsmanship extended into his love for woodworking. Many people throughout the communities have one of his masterpieces in their homes. Each piece was more than something he made—it was a little piece of Virgil that he left behind. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: fishing, boating, woodworking, music, golfing, spending time at lake Keowee with family and in his younger years, fast cars, bowling and playing cards with friends. Some of the most cherished memories were made at the lake or around the campfire, spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids. Those memories became family stories, passed from one generation to the next. That is probably the reason many of them camp to this day. Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Doris (Statler) Foster, who was well known in the community as the longtime “Avon Lady”. Together, Virgil and Doris built a family and a home filled with love, hard work, laughter, and countless memories. He is survived by his children, Larry (Cheryl) Foster, Judy (Mick) Hubert, Carol (Dave) O’Connell, and Kevin (Ann) Foster; his grandchildren, Ryan (Ashley) Foster, Jason (Christy) Foster, Luke (Lyndsey) O’Connell, Brent (Jennifer) Foster, Casey (Brandon) Lorance, Taylor (Savanna) O’Connell, Brayden Foster, and Brodie Foster; and 16 great-grandchildren. Virgil was a quiet, humble, talented, and strong man who never sought the spotlight but made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a pillar of his family—a person others could always count on. He lived by the simple belief that family mattered most and spent nearly a century demonstrating the importance of love, hard work, and commitment. To his family, Virgil was more than a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was their foundation. Without ever needing to give a lecture, he taught them the values of strength, perseverance, patience, hard work, and humility. He showed them that worthwhile things could be built with dedication and one’s own two hands. His family was blessed to know the love, guidance, and wisdom of a man who lived nearly a century. Virgil didn’t ask for much nor seek recognition. He simply lived his life, loved his family, helped his neighbors, served his country, and left things and people better than he found them. He may be gone from the room, but will never be gone from everything he built. Rest easy, Dad/Grandpa. You built a great life. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service on Monday, August 24, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of St. Anne. Interment will follow at St. Anne Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Clancy-Gernon-Houk Funeral Home, St. Anne.

Virgil Dale Foster

November 16, 1926 - August 20, 2026