Arron Ace Foster, 60, of Freeport, passed away January 16, 2026 while on a motorcycle tour of Ecuador.

Ace was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 5, 1965 to Randy and Vonnie Foster. He grew up on Thunder Butte Creek, riding ponies, wielding a bullwhip with impressive accuracy, and dreaming up general shenanigans.

He was raised with a strong work ethic and that was integral to who he was his entire life. He started his education in a one room school house with no running water, competed in 4-H Rodeos and played football for Faith High School before graduating in 1983. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served a tour in Korea guarding the wall. Upon his return, he attended Black Hills State University and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management while supporting his then wife Jill and newborn son.

After moving to Rockton in 1998, he spent the rest of his live serving his community through his church and his business. Ace started Embroid This, Inc. in 2008 and spent many hours building it into the flourishing business it is today. He worked 17 years bringing countless creative projects to life while supporting other small businesses, non-profit organizations, as well as members of the community. He enjoyed the relationships that he had with his customers and those that would just "stop by" to catch up. He had recently retired.

Ace was actively involved in the community, completing numerous projects for veteran organizations, worked in conjunction with the chamber of commerce and was a Board member with Elevate 815. He attended Roscoe Methodist Church, where he volunteered on several committees, including the Men's pancake breakfast, prior to his move to Freeport. Ace and Heidi were members of Zion Community Church in Pearl City, where Ace was helping expand their Men's fellowship programs.

Ace married Heidi Pena on July 5, 2024 and began their life together traveling the world, building their dream home, and learning what it meant to slow down and enjoy life. They enjoyed trips to Italy, Cozumel, Jamaica, Hawaii, Florida, South Dakota, Texas and Japan prior to his passing.

Ace is survived by his wife Heidi, his children Garret (Leigh) Foster, Kayla (Masayuki) Irie, Heather (Kevin Winston) Foster. Stepdaughters Halie (Mark) Heller, Isabel (Ian Kuehl)Pena, Sarah (Kieran Rains) Pena and his seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Stacy (Brian) Boomgaarden, Rusty (Julie) Foster, Aunts, Uncles, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded by his parents and grandparents.

Ace will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, his willingness to go the extra mile for those he loved, his ability to bring laughter to any room, his commitment to faith, and his unwavering love and support for his family.

If you were ever his friend, you were always his friend, no matter how many years or miles had passed. He was always in search of the next big adventure, project, or challenge. He lived every moment to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be setting up a memorial in Ace's name to assist small business entrepreneurship.

Services will be held at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St., Rockford, IL. on Saturday January 31, 2026. Memorial Visitation from 10 am to 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 pm. Pastor Wayne Fisher will officiate. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/arron-ace-foster Share a memory or condolence at www.GraceFH.com .

There will be a Celebration of Life in South Dakota in July. Dakota in July.ly.