Gary Carl Foster of Manchester

Gary Carl Foster, 77, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was born on October 30, 1948, in Independence, the son of Claud and Engelena “Ann” (Johnson) Foster. Gary was raised in the Lamont area and was a 1966 graduate of Starmont High School. He then graduated with a bachelor of science degree from Upper Iowa College in 1970.

On January 24, 1970, Gary was united in marriage to Tanja Herzog at the United Methodist Church in Lamont. Three sons were born to this union. For 56 wonderful years, he shared a loving marriage with his wife, and together they built a strong and close-knit family grounded in his strength, guidance, and unwavering love. He was the heart of our home, our provider, and a constant source of support. His presence brought comfort, stability, and joy to all who knew him.

Gary worked hard throughout his life, whether providing for his family through farming, shaping the lives of countless students as a teacher at Maquoketa Valley High School, or encouraging and supporting his boys in every stage of life. He also found great joy in the outdoors, and through hunting and fishing, he created cherished memories and shared his love of nature with family and friends.

His family was blessed to share many meaningful moments with him: family trips, football games, hunting adventures, fishing trips, and the simple everyday moments that somehow became unforgettable because he was there. The memories, lessons, and love he leaves behind will remain forever.

Gary was many things: a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, farmer, hunter, fisherman, and friend. Above all, he was a man who loved deeply, gave generously, and always put his family first. Even at the end, Gary continued to give. Through organ donation, he offered others the chance for a better life, one final act of generosity that perfectly reflected the kind of man he was. Gary was deeply loved, and he will be greatly missed every day. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the family who meant everything to him.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Tanja Foster of Manchester; two sons, Torrey (Claire) Foster and Ryne (Megan) Foster both of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Nikki (Curt Motz) Foster of Kingsley; five grandchildren, Harper, Hailey, Shaylee, Addilyn, and Brynlee; brother, Ron (Sheri) Foster of Masonville; sister, Judy (Dave) Lamka of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Aaron Foster in 2008.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Celebration of Life at a later date.

Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa, is assisting the family.