Cleone Avis Foster

Cleone Avis “Coney” Foster, age 85, of Chanhassen, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on November 30, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, Norman Foster; parents, William and Clara Berdahl; sisters; Marilyn Kluter and Darlene Sheddan; brothers-in-law; Sam Sheddan, Bob Skrovig, Bill Kluter; and nephew, Tom Skrovig. Survived by sons; Dave Foster (Kim), Mark Foster (Karen), Michael Foster (Melissa), daughter, Lisa Halvorson (Richard); grandchildren, Paul Halvorson (Maddy), Jordan Hanson (Tyrel), Jeffrey Halvorson (Jamie), Breanna Foster, Kacie Foster (Matt), Kalley Foster, and Alex Foster; great-grandchildren, Landon and Logan Hanson; sisters, Beverly Skrovig, Wilma Jo Swier (Ernie); brother-in-law, Jerry Foster; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Cleone was born on August 25, 1935 in Colton, South Dakota, one of five sisters. One major part of her upbringing was attending First Lutheran Church in Colton, where Cleone’s love of music began. Cleone loved to sing and sang in the Augustana College Choir and several church choirs throughout her life.
Cleone attended Augustana College to earn her nursing degree where she met the love of her life, Norman Foster. When Norm met Cleone, he knew that she was the one for him. They spent much of their early relationship in different cities, but he would write to her often. They married in 1957 shortly after graduating from college and started their careers in Chicago. They then moved to Minnesota to be closer to family and built a home in Minnetonka where they lived for 27 years, raising their four kids, Dave, Mark, Mike, and Lisa.

A job change for Norm brought them to Georgia where Cleone and Norm spent their next 17 years together. Retirement brought them back to Minnesota in 2004 to be close to family. Cleone loved having guests over and loved spending time with family and friends. Cleone believed that the way to have a friend was to be one. She inspired joy in everyone she was around and cared for others deeply. She was passionate about volunteering, music, art, church, swimming, and traveling, but the greatest joy of all for her was being with her family. Though she had dementia in her last few years, she could still remember the words to music being played, and she sang beautifully and continued to paint beautifully. Even though she could not always come up with a name, she always knew when she was in the presence of her family.

Cleone’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers at The Pillars of Shorewood Landing Senior Living, and a special thank you to her caring grand-niece Kaylee. She loved you all and was truly happy to be cared for by you.

Interment for Cleone and Norman will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Colton.

Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association, Augustana University, or donor’s choice.