Robert Foster

October 13, 1936 - November 20, 2021

Robert Joseph “Bob” Foster, 85, Topeka, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021, at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Bob was born October 13, 1936, in Topeka, the oldest of five children of Joseph F. and M. Ellen Dale Foster. Bob grew up in Topeka, attended Washburn Rural High School and then graduated from Kansas State College in 1958. He served in the Army from 1959-1961 and was stationed in Germany. Bob married Sally Ann Glotzbach on July 20, 1959, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka; she survives. Other survivors include their children, Anita Sidesinger (Chad), Topeka, Alan Foster (Ann), Rossville, Mary Heffern (Larry), Topeka, and Karen Anderson (Aaron), Topeka; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles Foster, Delia, and David Foster (Virginia), Rossville; and sister, Teresa Foster, Topeka. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Fred Foster. Bob worked for the City of Topeka for 38 years. He was in charge of the Gage Park Greenhouse and Conservatory and was the original landscape designer at the Tropical Rain Forest in the Topeka Zoo. Bob became the Chief Horticulturist for the city, responsible for plantings at the Reinisch Rose Garden, Rock Garden in Gage Park, the Meade Park Gardens and hundreds of city flower beds across Topeka. He designed Flintstone Park and its rolling log slide in Gage Park. Bob gave tours to thousands of people while working for the city, including tours of the Greenhouse, Rose Garden, and nature trail hikes at Dornwood Park and the Warren Nature Area at Shunga Park, along with many other places. He gave pioneering demonstrations at many different festivals and events across Northeast Kansas. Bob was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, the Kaw Valley Woodcarvers and former member of the Topeka Rose Society. He had a passion for woodcarving and supplied his family and friends with hundred of woodcarvings. Bob always had time for his grandchildren, constantly teaching them and supporting them at their music and sporting events. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. tonight, November 23, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 24th, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Foster Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dover Fire Department or to the family for a memorial in Gage Park to be designated at a later date, and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.