Sharlene Karen Foster

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

Sharlene’s birthplace was Aurora, Illinois; born in 1938. She attended Holy Angels Grade School, Madonna High School, Marquette University (WI), St. Catherine’s College (MN), and she earned her Degree in Elementary Education from Aurora University.

Shar’s teaching career began at Goodwin Elementary School in North Aurora. 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 from reading books at the local library, so she did not hesitate to accept the 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 for Turkey, resuming their courtship upon her return in 1961. Marriage bells rang out 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 the performing arts. She was the lead actress in many plays as a long-time member of The Aurora Junior Women’s Club during the 1970s and 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 that she could hold in her hands. Her love for travel, knowledge of the world and life experiences grew over decades from taking numerous trips with Ron, as well as with family and friends, that spanned the globe.

The homes that Shar made were always decorated for the holidays with the kind of flare, attention to detail and thoughtfulness that would be the envy of any high-end department store.

Shar’s history in the Wisconsin Northwoods began while vacationing with her family growing up, continuing with Ron after their marriage. His family also vacationed in the same area for many years. Ron and Shar eventually purchased a lake home in 1983, which their family thoroughly enjoy to this day.

And it is fitting that she and her loving husband of over 55 years departed on their final and most important trips of their long and full lives from the same wonderful place nearly 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 Wilson, several nephews and nieces as well as many 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.