MERLIN "BUD" FOSTER ESTELLINE, SOUTH DAKOTA Funeral services will be held for Merlin (Bud) Foster, 89, 1:30 P.M., Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the United Church of Christ in Estelline with Pastor Deven Edinger officiating. Visitation will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday at Geise Funeral Home in Estelline. Burial will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery. He passed away January 31 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bud was born September 21, 1918 to Oliver and Mille (Synaground) Foster at his family homestead near the Sioux River by Bruce. He graduated from Estelline High School in 1937 where he enjoyed playing basketball; he remained an avid supporter of Redmen athletics throughout his life. Bud married Marjorie Ione Moen on September 16, 1940. They stayed on the Foster family farm until 1948 when they moved a mile west over the hills to start their own mixed grain, cattle and pig operation just south of Estelline. Bud was well known for his herd of registered Herefords from which he sold breeder stock throughout the region. He retired in 1981 and built a home in Estelline where he lived until 2007 before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan so that he and Marge could be near their children and grandchildren. Bud was a lifelong active member of the United Church of Christ, where he served in numerous capacities. Community oriented, he served on several local boards and committees including those of the Estelline Co-op Grain Elevator, Preston Township, and Bank of Bruce. His volunteerism to the elderly was particularly well known in the community where, even into his 80's, he regularly helped deliver food to the 'old people' in Estelline and visited friends in the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. For his many efforts throughout the years, Bud received the Jefferson Award for Public Service. A keen card player, his favorite pastime was playing cards with friends and family in numerous card groups. During his lifetime, Bud valued relationships with family above all, especially children and siblings. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of Ann Arbor, Michigan; his children Joan (Douglas) Doop of Dexter, Michigan, Dallas (Joanne Sakai) Foster of Mill Valley California, and Douglas (Terri Murtland) Foster of Madeira Park, British Columbia, Canada; two granddaughters, Ashleigh Doop of Dexter, Michigan and Jennifer Doop of Berea, Ohio; one sister, Marvel Bergjord of Brookings, South Dakota and one brother-in-law, Robert Vojta of Portland, Oregon as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lester, Leslie, Hollis, Leroy, Melford (Babe), and sisters Edith (Sis) McCampbell Stenderup and Eunice Moberg.