Wilbert G. Foerster

Wilbert G. Foerster, 89, of Kiel, Wisconsin, began his journey through the cosmos peacefully Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, Wisconsin.

Will made his debut on this earth on April 20, 1936, in Glendale, California. He spent his early years exploring his neighborhood near the Occidental College campus. In 1947, he sojourned with his parents, older brother Leonard, and sister Wanda to be close to family and to find the clean air and green pastures on their farm near Kiel. He attended Herman Grade School and graduated from Kiel High School in 1954.

Shortly after graduating, Will began his four-year adventure with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Savannah, Georgia; Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada; and Sidi Slimane, Morocco.

After his service to our country, Will returned to Kiel, where he attended Lakeland
College and studied physics and chemistry.

Several years later, he met Ramona M. Mau on a blind date that opened his eyes to a
61-year love affair. The sweethearts married on August 21, 1965, in Sturgeon Bay. They were blessed with a bundle of joy and creativity, Andrew, in 1968, and their bundle of energy and sweetness, Michael, in 1972.

Will enjoyed an active professional life. He was an electronics technician on military boats at Petersen Ship Builders in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. In the late 60s, he worked for the Saville Organ Company in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked with electronics for the leather industry at Elenco in Plymouth. In 1973, he started his career with the City of Kiel as part of the street department and later ran the lab at the wastewater treatment plant. Will "retired" in 2001, though he kept busy with his family, spiritual, philanthropic, and scientific activities.

Will founded the Sheboygan Space Society over 30 years ago to advance the study of space exploration-the Society has supported Rockets for Schools for many decades. He served on the Kiel Library Board for many years and was elected alderman for one
term.

He loved to refurbish electronics and to build all manner of things. As a true Renaissance man, he was also an artist with exhibitions of his paintings at many local art festivals. He equally enjoyed the outdoors, cavorting in the forests outside of Kiel regularly. Will was a life-long learner, adding to the aforementioned passions by reading and studying new topics.

Will cherished belonging to the congregation of Saint Peter's United Church of Christ in Kiel. He was a Sunday school teacher for many years, served on the consistory, for a time as president, and painted backdrops for the many Nativity plays that were performed on Christmas Eve. He enjoyed all aspects of his spiritual community, but his pride and joy was managing the church garden for over 20 years.

Will is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ramona; his son Andrew (Leea); his grandchildren, Nicolas, Indi (George), Jasmine, Evan, and Amanda, his nephews Charles (Dana) Timm-Ballard and Steven (Susan) Timm, his niece Robin (Jayne) Timm,
and his nephew John (Luann).

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Wilbert A. and Ada Foerster, his brother Leonard Foerster, his sister Wanda Timm, his son Michael Foerster, and his niece Hanna Timm.

The family is planning to celebrate Will's life in spring-more details to come.

Will managed to be a dynamo in any venture he undertook while being a kind and gentle soul. We miss him dearly with tears of sadness at his passing but also tears of joy as we celebrate his remarkable life. We send him our thanks for touching our lives with such grace, compassion, and humor, and we send our love and encouragement to him as he sallies forth onto his next escapade among the stars.

The family is very grateful for the care that both the Calumet Hospital and ThedaCare
Regional Medical Center gave him.