Forrest Don Foster, 48, of Lake Lillian, passed away on May 16, 2026, following a motorcycle accident. His passing has left a deep loss among family, friends, coworkers, and the racing community that knew him best. People who spent time around Forrest often describe him the same way — dependable, talented with his hands, and always willing to help someone who needed it.
Born on February 2, 1978, in Monterey, Forrest was the son of Scott and Jane (Doerhoefer) Foster. As a young child, he moved with his family to Okinawa, Japan, before eventually returning to Minnesota, where he attended Willmar and New London-Spicer schools. Those early experiences shaped the grounded and hardworking person many would later come to know.
After high school, Forrest worked at Central Tire & Auto before beginning a career with Midwest Underground, where he remained for the past 25 years. Outside of work, he became known as someone who could repair almost anything. Whether it was a vehicle, an engine, or helping a friend fix a problem, Forrest had a natural ability to figure things out. Friends often relied on him not only because of his skill, but because he never hesitated to help when someone was struggling.
In October 1999, he married LeeAnn Werder, and together they raised four children. Family remained at the center of Forrest’s life no matter how busy things became. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially during simple moments — lake days, bonfires, pool games, boating trips, or evenings filled with music and laughter.
Forrest had what many called a “need for speed.” Racing was more than a hobby to him; it was part of who he was. He loved motorcycles, race cars, boating, barefooting, and working on engines late into the night. He was also a proud member of the KRA Speedway racing community, where he earned respect not just for racing, but for the way he carried himself. The phrase painted on his race car, “Too Broke to Cheat,” reflected his honest nature and the pride he took in doing the work himself. He spent countless hours repairing and improving his own car, often alongside friends and family who shared his love for racing.
Even though Forrest was known as quiet and soft spoken, people remember how quickly his smile and laughter could change the mood in a room. He didn’t need to say much to make people feel comfortable around him. His presence alone often did that.
He is survived by his mother, Jane Vikse, and Jerome Vikse; his children Briana (Preston) Shea and their children, Kristen Foster (Koby) and their children, Owen Foster, and Addelyn Foster; his siblings Travis (Christine) Foster and their children, Morgan (Alyssia) Foster and their children, Jenna Vikse, Jasmine Vikse (Dylan) and their children, and JaLanny Vikse (Chris); as well as his paternal grandparents, Don and Dee Foster.
He was preceded in death by his father, Scott Foster, who passed away on May 20, 2025; his maternal grandparents, Ray and Doris Doerhoefer; John and Olive Vikse; his aunt, Darlene Buer; Baby Morgan Foster; and several other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Forrest Foster will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Assembly of God in Willmar, with visitation beginning one hour before the service. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home.
For those who knew him best, Forrest Foster will be remembered as a hardworking man who loved deeply, laughed easily, and lived life at full speed. His memory remains in the stories shared by family, the engines he rebuilt, the race track he loved, and the many lives he helped along the way.
