Rev. Fred S. Foerster, 88, of Emmaus, died Dec. 31, 2024. He was lovingly cared for by his wife, Mimi, at home until his final hours. He died peacefully at the inpatient hospice unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He and his wife, Mary E. “Mimi” (Bray) Foerster, celebrated 62 years of marriage. They were partners in life and ministry.

Born in Jeffersonville, N.Y., he was the son of the late Rev. Dr. Fred C. and Elsa (Severin) Foerster. He was a graduate of Gettysburg College in 1957 and the Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia in 1961. He earned his master’s degree in divinity. He was the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Emmaus from 1970 until his retirement in 2001. He previously served as assistant pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hatboro and pastor at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Reading. He was a member and pastor emeritus of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Emmaus.

He faithfully served his church and his beloved community of Emmaus by being involved in many social ministries; a few of his favorites include board member, Elephant’s Trunk Consignment Shop (Planned Parenthood); chairman, professional, consultation committee for the pastoral care department of Lehigh Valley Health Network; Emmaus Emergency Management Team coordinator, mass care and feeding; member, Advisory Council of Brain Tumor Support Group of the Lehigh Valley; Valley Youth House board of directors; member, Bear Creek Camp board of directors and chair of property and building committees and parish nurse ministry.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Lisa Beth Keller and her husband, Robert; sister, Caroline Eichner; grandchildren, James, Alexander and Sean Bonner. He was preceded in death by a sister, Frederica “Rica.”

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Jan. 11 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 501 Chestnut St., Emmaus 18049. A visitation will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 11 in the church.

Arrangements were made by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Emmaus.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Emmaus.