Richard A Foerstner 28 May 1937 - 09 March 2005

FOERSTNER, OMALLEY, MEYER

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 3/12/2005 at 08:29:41

Richard Allen Foerstner, age 67 of rural Tipton, formerly of Middle Amana, an accomplished businessman, avid outdoorsman, who was loved by many, passed away Wednesday morning, March 9, 2005 at his home following an extended illness. He was born May 28, 1937 in Middle Amana, IA, the son of George C. and Nora L. Foerstner. He graduated from the University of Iowa with an engineering degree and spent the majority of his career at Amana Refrigeration, Inc. He was Vice President of Radaranges and was responsible for the design of the first 115V, portable, consumer microwave oven. Richard also testified in Washington D.C. before the FDA establishing microwave emissions standards for the industry. After his successful career at Amana, he founded and became president of GF Computer Systems of Iowa City, IA.

In retirement, he pursued his love of the outdoors by hunting, fishing, and traveling extensively.

Richard was involved in the community and served as the chairman of the Foerstner Foundation, Inc., which provided college scholarships for the sons and daughters of Amana Refrigeration employees. He also served on the board of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. Additionally, he and his wife Arlene established the Johnson County Children’s Trust and gave generously to many causes.

Richard is survived by his wife, Arlene; a daughter, Suzanne M. O’Malley and husband Stephen of Fishers, IN; a son, Craig A. and wife Rebecca of Coralville; 6 grandchildren, George Colin Foerstner, Cassandra A. Foerstner, Catelyn, M. Foerstner, Quinn A. Foerstner, Kelley M. O’Malley, and Matthew S. O’Malley; and a sister, JoAnn Meyer and husband Alex of Middle Amana. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 12, 2005, Middle Amana Community Church, Middle Amana, Iowa with Elder Harold Pitz officiating. Burial will be in the Middle Amana Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 P.M. Friday, March 11, 2005 at the Middle Amana Community Church. Memorials may be gifted in Richard’s name to The Johnson County Children’s Trust, The Holden Cancer Center, The Iowa Scholarship Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo is in charge of arrangements.

Kloster funeral home
Cedar Rapids Gazette
11 March 2005