It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Howell Foerster. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 21, 2024, at the age of 52. Mike was born on June 7, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Gert and Shirley Howell Foerster. He led a life marked by unwavering faith, boundless energy, and selfless service.
After graduating from Brighton High School in 1989, Mike served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Frankfurt, Germany, where he felt honored to serve in the land of his ancestral roots. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah in 1996 (Go Utes!). On June 15, 1994, he married the love of his life, Anne Linford, in the Salt Lake Temple. Their love was deeply profound, evident to all who knew them.
Mike enjoyed working as the District Engineer for the South Valley Sewer District. He made significant contributions and was an active member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the Water Environment Association of Utah (WEAU). Mike spent several years in leadership roles and loved using a Jeopardy game to teach the continuing education classes.
Mike was passionate about the outdoors, sharing countless adventures with the Boy Scouts from mountain tops to national and international Jamborees. His commitment to the Boy Scouts of America helped many young men. This dedication was honored when he received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award.
Mike's interests were diverse, from swimming and boxing to the year-round singing of "Joy to the World", He had an enthusiasm for game shows like "The Price Is Right." as well as a love for Saturday Morning Cartoons. His creativity and spirit were evident in the family traditions he cherished, such as the annual Pie Day after Thanksgiving and the elaborate Christmas morning games and treasure hunts.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Anne; children Jared (Rebekah), Mariah, Adam, Andrew, and Brooke; parents Gert and Shirley; and siblings Rebecca (Kim), Matthew (Roberta), Elizabeth (Aaron), Daniel (Travis), Stephen (Brooke), along with numerous cousins, in-laws, nephews and nieces who knew him as Favorite Uncle Mike.
In the words of his family, "Finding the right words feels almost impossible, but we aim to honor the incredible man our dad was. He was the soul of our family and a friend to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His faith in God, his ability to spread love, coupled with his unwavering support for anyone in need, truly set him apart as a devoted husband, an inspiring father, and role model. He faced life with resilience, compassion, and without complaint. He taught us to dream big."
A “Memorial Jamboree” will be held on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Sego Lily Meetinghouse at 10312 Ashley Park Drive, Sandy, Utah, from 6 - 8 p.m. Interment Services will be held at Elysian Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 S. Millcreek, UT 84117 on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Sandy Granite South Stake Center, 2130 East 10000 South, Sandy, Utah.