Kim James Fostvedt, 70, our loving husband, father, and grandfather had fought the good fight, but his illnesses still ended up winning the battle on the morning of Friday, April 25, 2025. He left this world with his wife and daughter by his side at his home in Altoona, WI knowing he was loved by everyone in his family. He loved being Grandpa Kim, and one of his biggest regrets was certainly not living longer and continuing to watch his grandchildren grow up.

He was born at the Rice Lake, WI hospital on December 23, 1954, to James and Mary Louise (Strzyzewski) Fostvedt. He graduated from Chetek High School in 1973. He married Rebecca Donaldson on May 8, 1976, at New Hope Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeland, WI. A daughter, Adrian, and a son, Bryan were later born to complete his family. He was a very involved father in his children’s lives. Besides Adrian playing sports almost all year long, they enjoyed deer hunting together each season. With Bryan, things included teaching him to drive the family ATV and cheering him on at his high school track meets. They both enjoyed riding bikes around our block living in the country, a much longer distance than a city block would be. Although Kim might have been pretty worn out afterward, he would go with Bryan every time he was asked to do this. He attended many activities that both his children did all through their school years and afterward. Going snowmobiling and riding the ATV were favorite activities with his young children, and also later in life with his grandchildren.

He was a patient and loving man. He probably became such a good father from having to become a father figure for his younger siblings when his parents separated (even though he was still a child himself).

Especially his mother, but other important people during his younger years were his Pa and Grandma Fostvedt. During his high school years, he worked at Clint’s Mobil gas station in Chetek. Kim had commented more than once that Clint was such a good role model for him and he learned many life, besides mechanic, skills from working at the gas station.

After graduating, he worked for Dolly Madison Dairy operated by Wilfred Simon in Chetek doing delivery routes for a few years. Next was Sykes Meats of Cameron, WI, as a meat salesman with his route covering a larger area of northwestern Wisconsin. He also worked for American Materials Redi Mix Plant by Chetek and then became interested in driving a semi-truck and trailer. He hauled long-distance loads and eventually hauled in just Wisconsin and surrounding states, so he could be home in rural Chetek almost every night for his wife and children. He started his own company, KJF Trucking in the early 1980’s and continued to haul loads himself with Cooper Power Systems in Waukesha, WI. Eventually, he started dispatching loads instead for Owner Operators who leased onto his company. He ceased the company’s operations in October of 2011. He then worked as a driver for several companies in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls areas. He continued to be involved with truck driving up until he wasn’t well enough, into the fall of 2024. He last drove truck helping his son-in-law’s family farm hauling cash crops, which he had done for several years before becoming ill last year.

After becoming a grandfather in February 2010, not long afterward he and Becky moved to Altoona, WI to be closer to their daughter’s family.

Although he certainly loved his children, he was head over heels in love with each grandchild that was born, always being involved in their lives in any way he could. His most favorite hobby was attending the grandchildren’s sports and other events they were involved in year-round. He also enjoyed doing visits and outings with his wife and their son, deer hunting, bike riding, daily walks, yard work, and watching TV shows like Mountain Men, Pawn Stars, and Expedition Unknown. He was always a big Packers fan and never missed watching their games if possible. Sundays usually included him watching at least 3 NFL games. He enjoyed living out in the country by Chetek and having his own land for deer hunting. After moving to the city of Altoona, he was glad to visit his daughter’s home in rural Fall Creek to enjoy the space and quietness of country living there. He was always looking for that new country home to buy, but it never happened. He will be greatly missed by his family but we know he will watch over us and be cheering on his grandchildren from heaven above. God bless his memory always!

Kim is survived by his wife of almost 49 years Rebecca, daughter Adrian (Justin) Thur, son Bryan Fostvedt, and grandchildren Braxton, Owen, and Bria Thur. His brother Joe (Kay) Fostvedt, sisters Julie Zwernik and Kathy (Dave) Ziarnik, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim Fostvedt and Marilou Fostvedt, and two infant brothers; Grandparents Kenneth and Elaine Fostvedt, Louis Strzyzewski, and Florence Wedin; and Brother-in-law Dave Zwernik.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Funeral Home in Chetek, Wisconsin, on Saturday, May 10th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The family deeply appreciates your support, and in lieu of flowers or plants, they invite you to honor Kim’s memory by donating to the American Cancer Society.

Last Update: Apr 28, 2025 1:24 pm CDT