Our History

Our History

Rich traditions, proud history

Families have been placing their trust in Foster Funeral and Cremation Center for generations. We have always made outstanding service our #1 priority and are honored to serve you since 1908.
In 1908, Arch Foster and Evelyn Rodney Foster came to Webster City from Independence, Iowa. Arch purchased the J.W. Allington Furniture Company at that time and was in partnership with T.S. Curtis. In 1909, his brother, William A. Foster moved to Webster City buying out Mr. Curtis. The Foster Furniture Company was located on Main Street in the 600 block. Also incorporated in the business was Foster’s Undertaking and Ambulance Service located next door. Arch worked with both the furniture and undertaking, while his brother worked mainly in the furniture company. William moved to Algona in 1916 and Arch assumed full ownership of the Company. In 1926, a house built by one of Webster City’s pioneers, C.T. Fenton, was purchased and after extensive remodeling, in September of 1927, became Foster Funeral Home. The Foster Furniture Company closed in 1932.

For 28 years, Maris Brandrup was associated with Foster’s. He had also engaged in farming and raising Angus cattle. In 1952, the Foster Funeral Home was incorporated and the officers were: Mr. Foster, president; W.E. Noller, vice president; Gertrude Ermels, secretary; and in 1953, R. Eugene Town became treasurer until his death in 1961.
Mr. Foster was very active in community affairs and in the funeral home operation until his death in 1970 at the age of 88. In 1968, the officers were: W.E. Noller, president; Merle Finer, vice president; Robert Erickson, secretary-treasurer. Mr. Finer left the corporation and later James Bergeson from Mason City joined the firm. Gertrude Ermels was the business secretary for 45 years, until her retirement in 1970. In 1990, W.E. Noller retired after 38 years with Foster’s. New construction of the funeral home was planned in 1992, east of the old building. Moving into the new building was accomplished in February of 1993. In 1994, Mr. Bergeson retired and Robert Erickson became the sole owner of Foster Funeral Home.

As we move forward into an ever changing world, the staff at Foster’s would like to thank you for your growing commitment to us as we continue to serve Hamilton County and the surrounding areas.

What Makes Us Unique

We are proud to embrace traditional values, diversity and innovation in honoring the spirit and life of each person we serve. We offer a full selection of:
  1. Funeral and memorial services, ranging from traditional to uniquely innovative and personal
  2. Burial services and cremation options
  3. Celebrant Services
Letting go of a loved one is usually a very difficult process. In order to provide your family peace-of-mind, our funeral home offers complete care, so you can focus on comforting each other as you prepare to say goodbye to someone dear to you.

Although there are many decisions you may have to make, we assure you that we will guide you through the entire process every step of the way. We promise to help you:
  • Design the most fitting memorial or funeral service to honor their memory and pay tribute to their life achievements and experiences.
  • Select the most appropriate products, including a casket, burial vault, cremation urn, cemetery or mausoleum, to fit your budget and suit your needs and desires.
  • Write a fitting obituary to honor your loved one’s life experiences and social connections.
  • Assist in the publication of the obituary in the newspapers of your choice.
  • Create a Book of Memories™, a beautiful, permanent online memorial, where you and your friends can build a legacy of memories by archiving treasured photos and memories.
  • Welcome your family and friends to our funeral home for your planned services, including a viewing, visitation, funeral or memorial service.
  • Make all arrangements with regard to the services whether they are held at your place of worship, our funeral home, cemetery, or alternate gathering place.
  • Provide you with beautiful funeral print materials, including memorial folders, prayer cards and book marks. We also offer personalized note cards for you to acknowledge the emotional support you received from friends, co-workers and community members.
  • Provide an elegant hearse and funeral cars, as well as arrange for escorts.
  • Help in the selection and on-site arrangement of floral tributes.
  • Provide access to grief education and support materials, and referrals to counseling services.
  • Prepare all paperwork, including vital record statistics, permits, filing and obtaining death certificates, and assistance with life insurance, veteran’s benefits and Social Security claims.
We hope you will turn to us for compassionate care and impeccable service. Our pledge is to honor your loved one and family with dignity, respect and personal attention to every detail.
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