Sharlene Karen Foster

Sharlene Karen (Foster) Bank passed away peacefully at her lake home in Wisconsin on Monday August 3rd, 2026. She was 88 year’s old.

 Sharlene was born in Aurora, Illinois in 1938. She attended Holy Angels Grade School, Madonna High School, Marquette University, St. Catherine’s College and she earned her degree in Elementary Education from Aurora University.

Shar's teaching career began at Goodwin Elementary School in North Aurora, Illinois. An opportunity to teach overseas in Turkey at a U.S. military base later presented itself. Her interest in traveling started at an early age, so she did not hesitate to accept the job offer. 

Shar didn’t know that she had already met the love of her life, Ronnie Foster, while growing up in Aurora. They dated before she departed to Turkey resuming their courtship upon her return in 1961. Marriage bells rang for the couple at Holy Cross Church in 1965. Their Son Craig was born in 1967 and Son Daniel followed in 1972. 

Shar started playing golf as a teen at the Aurora Country Club, but athletics were soon replaced by performance arts. She was the lead actress in many plays as a member of The Aurora Junior Women’s Club during the 1980s.

It was once said that Shar entered the world with a book in one hand and a travel ticket in the other. She was sharp, articulate and well read from reading anything and everything with the printed word on paper. Her love for travel grow over many decades with Ron, but she did take trips with family and friends, domestically and abroad.

The homes that Shar made were always decorated for the holidays with the kind of attention to detail and thoughtfulness that you would see in a Marshall Field's or Macy’s.

Shar's history in the Wisconsin Northwoods began while vacationing with her family growing up and it did not end with Ron after their marriage. His family vacationed in the same area for many years as well. The family lake home was purchased in 1983 and it is thoroughly enjoyed to this day.

It is wonderfully fitting that she and her husband of over 55 years departed on their final and most important trips of their long, loving and full lives from the same place only 4 years apart. 

Shar is survived by her son Daniel (Jenny), brother Dennis (Colleen), daughter-in-law Terri, sisters-in-laws Barbara, Carol, Kim, Margaret Ann and Sarah, her beloved grandchildren Austin, Kyle, Daniel Jr., Emily, great grandchildren Jane and Willie, several nephews and nieces as well as numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ron, son Craig, parents John and Cyrena and brother Jack.

 A Memorial Gathering for Shar will be held at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel, 1025 Margaret Street, Woodruff, Wisconsin on Saturday, September 12 from 10-11:00, a Memorial Service at 11:00 and food and beverages on site to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association at American Lung Association. 

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.