Robert M. "Mike" Foster, age 67 of Bettendorf, IA earned his second set of wings on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. He passed away at UnityPoint Trinity in Rock Island.

A Celebration of Life will be from 4pm – 7pm on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7 ^th Ave,  Rock Island.  Inurnment will be in Chippiannock Cemetery for just the family members.

Memorials can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to the family for appropriate charities.

Mike was born on March 5, 1949 at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, IL, the son of James R. Foster and Sally Gross.  He married Teresa Pepping and they welcomed two daughters, Toni & Brittany.

He married Barbara Vanderweele in 2000 and he was much loved and cherished by all those in his life.

Mike was a man of many talents and he could do just about anything that required physical dexterity.  In his early years he did flat track motorcycle racing, winged sprint cars, and drove 18-wheelers cross-country.  He was on the Rock Island police force back in the wild 1970's and he could tell you stories all day long.

After retirement, Mike sky-dived and earned his pilot's wings with his first solo landing in April 2010. He enjoyed flying many short scenic trips flying around the Midwest.

He excelled at the game of golf and it was said that "only Jack Nicklaus and Mike Foster could hit a one-iron."  He is probably sharing tales with Arnold Palmer right now.

He was pre-deceased by both parents and his brother David.  Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara, daughters Toni Canterbury (John) of Orion, Brittany Metzner (Kenny) of Rock Island, step-children Julia Vanderweele (Nelson) of Kansas City, Jason Vanderweele (Michelle) of Bettendorf, and Alex Vanderweele (Shana) of Oakland, CA,  sister, Linda Buckrop, Edgington, and nine grandchildren including:  Cody, Emily, Braeden, Hailey, Alison, Christopher, Kyra, Kaidan, and Rowen.

The family wish to thank the caring team of Dr's and nurses at UnityPoint who cared for Mike during his illness.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.

Rest in Peace, Mike, you will be forever missed.