Shirley Foerster [Kinner-Van Dyke]

Shirley Fae Kinner was born on June 20, 1935, in Lake Benton, Minnesota, to Reuben Richard  and Edna Mae (Motter) Kinner. She attended Lake Benton Schools and graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1953.  Shortly after graduation, Shirley married Henry (“Hank”) Van Dyke and they moved to Sioux Falls. They were married for ten years and had a son, Kevin, in 1957.

Shirley was employed at Terry’s Dry Cleaners in downtown Sioux Falls for four years. In 1967, Shirley became employed at Kindler Pontiac Cadillac at 9^th & Minnesota in Sioux Falls, where she developed her 35-year career in the Parts Department. She truly enjoyed assisting customers by making sure the “shop mechanics” had the necessary parts to perform needed repairs to customer vehicles. She often shared her “car expertise” with Kevin, who grew up loyal to the “Pontiac” brand for his first car and several thereafter.

Shirley married Loren Becker in 2000. Unfortunately, Loren passed away on their five-week anniversary. The year 2002 was an eventful year for Shirley. She married Lee Foerster, moved to Luverne, Minnesota, to join Lee, and retired from Kindler Pontiac Cadillac.  Shirley and Lee were married for eight years. Upon Lee’s passing, Shirley continued to reside in Luverne for 10 years maintaining her friendships she developed there. During this time, she worked for several local agencies in transporting individuals to their medical appointments, sometimes making two round trips each day to Sioux Falls, often in adverse weather conditions. Her transport work was her passion and social outlet since she looked forward to talking with her “riders” as they traveled together.

In 2020, Shirley moved to Sioux Falls to live closer to her beloved sister, Bernita, and her medical treatment providers. Shirley resided at Sunnycrest Retirement Village with her pet companion, “Shadow,” until her recent short stays at Sanford Hospital and the Sanford “Centennial” Hospice Cottage, where she peacefully passed away on September 2, 2023 at the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 13 days.

Shirley had a strong Christian faith. As a child, she attended the First Baptist Church of Lake Benton, where she was baptized in 1944. Upon moving to Sioux Falls, she was a regular attender of Central Baptist Church and later Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church until her health no longer permitted her to attend in person. She also was a regular participant in women’s Bible-studies where she received further spiritual feeding.

Family ties were important to Shirley. The Kinner family remained close through the years with family reunions, celebrating special birthdays, and regular telephone calls.

Shirley was an independent woman and liked to do things “her way.” Yet, she always had a heart for helping others.  Whether assisting in getting the “right parts at the right time” for the shop mechanics throughout her career at Kindler Pontiac Cadillac or her transportation role, she was ready to give completely to meet the needs of those she was assisting. She also had a love for small dog companions and always had one by her side through the years. Her most recent, “Shadow,” is a high energy 11-pound Maltipoo, who will truly miss her “Master.”  Shirley also had a very green thumb as she thoroughly enjoyed flower gardening. She also was an avid walker when her health permitted.

Without a doubt, Shirley’s greatest passion was her three grandsons. As children, they were assured of a “bounty” from Grandma Shirley to celebrate Christmas. She enjoyed planning special events for them, including one special time at a waterpark, and was always ready with “treats” whenever they visited, such as chocolate chip cookie cakes. She hand-made many blankets for her grandsons through the years, personalizing them through embroidery. One of their favorite memories is bringing their hockey gear to Luverne to play on the outside sheet of ice.

Shirley is survived by her son, Kevin (Diane) Van Dyke of West Des Moines, Iowa; three grandsons, Matthew (Elizabeth) Van Dyke of Houston, Texas, Jacob (Leslie) Van Dyke of Ankeny, Iowa, and Lucas (Elizabeth) Van Dyke of Hudson, Ohio; two great-granddaughters, Gabriella and Isabelle; and a great-grandson due in December; brother, Bruce Kinner of Lake Benton; sister, Bernita Crapser (Kinner) of Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Edna Kinner; brothers, Calvin Kinner and Kenneth Kinner;  nephew, Keith Kinner; and niece, Brenda Wurzberger (Kinner).