Thomas “Tom” J. Foster of Henry, S.D. passed away at the age of 63 on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, S.D.
Funeral services were held February 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Henry. Burial was at the Graceland Cemetery, rural Henry. Pallbearers were Jordan Foster, Blake Foster, Rich Foster, Rock McGillivary, Bret McGillivary, Drew McGillivary and Jeff Hackenmueller. Visitation was 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10 with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Thomas “Tom” Joe Foster was born February 6, 1961 in Watertown, S.D. to Joyce (Johanson) and Ramsey “Marlowe” Foster. Tom grew up near Garden City, S.D., where he attended grade school. He had many stories of great times with his cousins and friends while growing up on the farm, riding his bike to his grandparent’s farm and playing baseball in Garden City. Tom attended Clark High School playing basketball and football and graduated as a Clark Comet in 1979.
On July 6, 1985, Thomas married his true love, Jody McGillivary. Thomas and Jody shared so much life together in 39 years of marriage. They welcomed two children into their lives, Jordan and Blake. Tom and Jody enjoyed raising a family and farming together, dancing, attending music concerts, boating and going out for supper.
Tom was a dedicated farmer who had a vast knowledge of agriculture and was always ready to share it with whoever would listen. Over the years, Tom placed Top Three in numerous South Dakota Yield contests, with his most recent award being third place in the 2024 South Dakota Soybean Yield Contest for Group 1 Non-Irrigated. In Tom’s early years of farming, he raised potatoes, wheat and cattle. Then, together with his wife and sons, they started row crop farming and building the operation they carry today. Tom was nothing short of extraordinary when it came to precision and skill and the pride he had for the farm. The knowledge and eagerness to share that with those around him never went unspoken. He was extremely passionate about every aspect of farming and absolutely loved his profession.
Tom’s joy and happiness in life came from his family, grandchildren and the farm, visiting with friends and watching football. He also liked hunting, fishing and driving a race car. His dedication to farming was never out of sight. If not in his office doing the behind-the scenes marketing, research and planning, he was outside watching over his fields from sunup to sundown. Tom and Jody raised their boys to be determined and passionate in life. Sharing his knowledge and skills started at a young age for Jordan and Blake and continued throughout the years. While raising his boys, Tom was there for their events, from racing to baseball, softball, basketball and football games to vacations and more. Tom’s legacy of dedication, determination and ambition will continue to live on.
Tom was a grandpa to four, and he never shorted them of love and laughter. Tom’s greatest quality as a grandpa was his ability to be present in the moment and to bring out true happiness in his grand- kids. Tom made each moment with his grandkids loud, fun and full of laughter. His grandkids loved seeing Grandpa Tom come home. Thomas will forever be missed and never forgotten. His knowledge and qualities for life will truly be carried on by his family and friends.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jody; his children, Jordan (Taylor) Foster and Blake Foster (Katie), all of Henry; four grandchildren: Tinsley, Taedan, Suttyn and Harlee; brother Rodney (Sheri) Foster of Garden City; brother Richard (Amanda) Foster of Garden City; sister Marilyn Foster of Garden City; his father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Joyce McGillivary of Henry; brother-in-law Rock (Becky) McGillivary; sister-in-law Jill (Jeff ) Hackenmueller; brother in-law Bret (Gwen) McGillivary; brother-in-law Drew McGillivary; sister-in-law Krista McGillivary; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Foster; his father, Ramsey “Marlowe” Foster; and his brother-in-law, Todd McGillivary.
Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel serving the family - www.wightandcomes.com.
