Mabel Marie Foster

Mabel M. Foster, age 84, of Austin, Minn., died on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Methodist Campus, from complications of lung cancer.

Mabel Marie Rita Leibold was born on April 16, 1933, in rural Spillville, Iowa, to Arthur and Mary Ann (Wagner) Leibold. She attended country school and graduated from Austin High School in 1951. On Jan. 15, 1956, Mabel married Herman Foster at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church. The couple raised four children.

Mabel was employed over the years in various clerical positions. She enjoyed her role as wife and mother and was an excellent baker of cakes and desserts. She rejoiced at the arrival of grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching them mature into young adults.

Mabel was proficient at knitting and crocheting, knitting heavy jackets for family members while she and Herman lived in Alaska. She will be lovingly remembered for the many cross-stitch items she crafted for each family member.

The Fosters belonged to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where Mabel was active in the ladies' circle. She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and enjoyed old-time music and dancing. Her many road trips with her children, and later with grandchildren, took her to various parts of the United States. The grandchildren recall the quickness at which she took hills, and now advise others, "don't drive like Nana or the highway patrol will slow you down." Mabel was a loving and caring wife and mother who will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband Herman of Austin; her children, Wayne Foster of LaCrosse, Wis., Roberta Foster of Neosho, Mo., Wesley (Mary Ann) Foster of King Salmon, Alaska, and William (Rocio) Foster of Spring Hills, Fla.; three grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew and Thomas; her brother, Bruce; and sister, Diane.

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard; and her brother, Dale.

There will be no services held at this time. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements.