Leonard J. Foster, 84, of Mason City, died on October 8, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center North Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Friday, October 21, 2022 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave., with Rev. Neil Manternach. Leonard’s family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 10:00 am at the church on Friday. Burial will follow in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery.
A livestream of Leonard’s Mass will be available through the Epiphany Parish website, EpiphanyParish.org
Leonard was born on February 1, 1938 in Monroe, Louisiana. He arrived four minutes after his twin brother, Lionel, and from that moment forward the pair was nearly inseparable. At a young age the family moved to Mason City and Leonard and Lionel attended St. Joseph Catholic Church. Eventually they relocated to South Bend, Indiana where Leonard excelled in wrestling and track.
Following their high school graduation they enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Leonard served for four years before his honorable discharge.
In the spring of 1964 he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Pope in Des Moines. Together they would be blessed with five children, Debbie, William, Russell, Margaret, and Leland.
Leonard was proud to be a master carpenter and many will remember him for his talents and craft. He worked for Henkel Construction for many years and operated Twin Steel, Foswel Construction, and Foster Construction. Following his retirement in 1991 he was proud to pass his business along to his sons, Billy and Leland.
Leonard loved to take Mary Ann dancing and out for BINGO and no matter win or lose it was always, “Ain’t that nothing, Mary Ann.” He also enjoyed playing pool and fishing. Among family and friends he was lovingly known as “The Beast” for his fierce loyalty for those he cared for.
He was a former member of the Mason City Judo Club and obtained the rank of Brown Belt. One of Leonard’s proudest moments was being elected as the first black city councilman in Mason City and he proudly served the city during the early 2000’s.
Countless memories were made with family and friends whether it be passing the time with scratch tickets or playing cards with the Woolery family. Many will remember seeing Leonard and Lionel enjoying their evenings at Papa’s American Café. He was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Cubs and enjoyed the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era.
Leonard loved being a grandfather and prayed for each and every one of his grandchildren’s health and safety. He was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
Those grateful in sharing in his life are his children, William Foster, Russell Foster, Margaret “Cookie” Foster, and Leland Foster; grandchildren, Justin Foster, Deóshea Foster, Jordan Bartoszek, Shea Pals, Garrett Foster, Derric Thomas, Constance Taylor, Kristina Portis-Foster, Colten Muth, Steffen Foster, Bryce Foster, Serena Foster, and Quinn Lee Kukunaokala Foster; great grandchildren, Mikhye and Mira Foster, Paris Florian, DeSavian Portis, Azalea Foster, Kialo Foster, Naylia Foster, Lyric Foster, Ryder Bergstrom and Ryker Bergstrom; his twin brother, Lionel Foster, Sr.; sister, Frankie Briscoe; niece, Danielle Foster – Smith; as well as many cousins and a host of extended relatives and friends.
Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Foster; parents, Leland and Ida Foster; Mother Dear; sister, Constance “Connie” Foster; daughter Debbie Foster-Rambo; grandsons, Darrion Rambo, Stevie Rambo, and Donté Foster; and nephews, Joseph Foster and Lionel Foster, Jr.
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R.I.P. Leonard!!!