Gary Foster

Gary Foster, 76, of Brookings, SD passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at the Brookings Health System after a long courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis and cancer.
A memorial service has been set for Wednesday Feb. 19, 2025, at United Church of Christ in Estelline, SD. A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday Feb. 18, from 5-7 p.m. at Rudes Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Association or a charity of your choice in Garys name.
Gary was born in Brookings, SD on Jan. 30, 1949, to Melford (Babe) and Phyllis (Butts) Foster. He grew up on the family farm south of Estelline, SD. He graduated from Estelline High School in 1967. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served until being honorably discharged in January of 1972. After his discharge from the U.S. Navy, he returned to the family farm. While in the Navy he met the love of his life, Dianne Liddle, in Tucson, AZ. They were married on April 1, 1972, in Estelline, SD. Gary and Dianne were blessed with two daughters, Tracey in 1974 and Jill in 1978.
Gary farmed with his dad until Babe retired in 1988. Gary and Dianne then continued to run the farming and cattle operation until 2021 when they retired and rested the land out. Gary was very proud of the fact that he was a fourth generation Foster who owned and operated the family farm.
Over the last several years, Gary enjoyed driving truck during hay chopping and silage cutting seasons for the Austin Berwald family farm, until he was forced to retire in 2024 due to ill health. He especially enjoyed working with the kids and keeping them in line. He also met some great farmers that the crew chopped for and enjoyed renewing those friendships over the years. Gary loved spending time with his family and taking in the grandchildren and great grandchildrens activities when he was able.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Dianne; his daughters, Tracey (Scott) Mahstedt of Brookings and Jill (Adam) Vahl of Lake Dallas, TX. His grandchildren, Tyler (Ambur) Zmuda of Brookings, SD Jordan (Kaitlyn) Zmuda of Bruce, SD, Hunter (Caroline) Hope of San Angelo, TX and Hailey Vahl of Lake Dallas, TX; his great-grandchildren, Emma and Ellyn Zmuda of Brookings, SD and Weston and Adeline Zmuda of Bruce, SD. His sister, Kathy (Terry) Ching of Watertown, SD; his brother, Mark Foster of Brookings, SD; sister-in-law, LuAnn (Rod) Helmer of Moorcroft, Wy; brothers-in-law, Steve (Ardy) Liddle of Keokuk, IA and Tim (Katie) Liddle of Green Valley, AZ, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Babe and Phyllis Foster, his parents-in-law, Jim and Pearl Liddle and a sister-in-law, Lorna Foster.
Condolences can be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.