Obituary of Sylvia Christine Foster

Sylvia Christine Foster, age 90, of Maplewood, Minnesota passed away peacefully on February 10, 2021 at Ecumen Seasons of Maplewood. Sylvia was born July 12, 1930 to Arthur and Dorothea Sprengeler and was one of six children who were raised on a dairy farm south of Plato, Minnesota. After graduating from Glencoe High School, Sylvia continued her education at Minnesota School of Business. After completing her degree, she began her career at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing as an administrative assistant. On December 6, 1952 Sylvia was united in marriage to Merlin W. Harjes until his death in 1982. Sylvia was again united in marriage to Robert O. Foster of Waconia on February 6, 1993.

Sylvia was an amazing woman with a kind heart and gentle spirit. Always cheerful and thoughtful, her infectious smile warmed your heart and made you feel welcome. She held a special place in her heart for little children and they in turn were drawn to her quiet and loving presence. She cared deeply for other hurting people and prayed for them daily as verified by her cherished box of thank you notes she received from other’s answered prayers. Her faith was most important to her which enabled her to face life’s challenges with grace. She was devoted to her family, and instilled in her children strong Christian values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Sylvia was preceded in death by husbands: Robert Foster and Merlin Harjes; parents: Arthur and Dorothea Sprengeler; brother Melvin Sprengeler.

She is survived by her children: Colleen (Douglas) Herberg of Stillwater, MN, Karen (Gregory) O’Donnell of Venice, FL, and Kevin (Cynthia) Harjes of Big Lake, MN; grandchildren: Heather Ray, Kristin Vig, Lindsay Breault, Richard Harjes, Rachel Pike, and Robert Harjes; thirteen great-grandchildren; brothers: Erwin Sprengeler and Marvin Sprengeler; sisters: Myrtle Turbett and Mavis Schuette; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota on September 26, 2021 with visitation at 1:00 p.m. , and service to follow at 2:00 p.m.