JOSEPH CHARLES FORREST
12/20/33 – 06/13/17
Eighty-three years, 5 months, 24 days – it was a good run. Born in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, Joe was the third of four sons born to Benjamin and Minnie (Alvina Bittle) Forrest.
Joe graduated from high school in 1951 and then attended Dunwoody Institute to learn carpentry. After completing his studies he built his first house in Stillwater, Minnesota, without the use of power tools. The house has been in the family since 1952, originally owned by Katherine Bittle and eventually purchased by Joe because of its great sentimental value. Building this house began his lifetime career in carpentry. He enlisted in the Army in September 1954 and served until a shoulder injury ended his service six months later. Joe married Joanne Christine Standaert in Glenwood City on August 27, 1955. There they had five daughters: Diane, Kay, Cindy, Susie and Nancy. In 1960 they moved to Somerset where they added two sons and another daughter to the fold: Greg, Danny and Laurie. He enjoyed outdoor activities including snowmobiling, fishing, boating, hunting and camping, often accompanied by a beer or two. Later in life he and Joanne spent a lot of time traveling in their motor home. After Joanne’s death Joe put the motor home away and purchased a winter home in Harlingen, Texas, where he enjoyed shuffleboard, honing his cribbage skills, listening to jam sessions in the Dixieland Park hall, attending the odd happy hour and enjoying many a night out to eat. He looked forward to visits from friends and family, especially his sister-in-law Betty.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife Joanne; parents Ben and Minnie Forrest; in-laws Belle and Louie Standaert; brothers Bill, Tom and Jack; and sister-in-law Ann.
He is survived by 8 children, 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Betty and Mary Forrest; 1 brother-in-law, Joseph (Sandie) Standaert; and many more family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 20th at 11 a.m. at the St. Anne Catholic Church, 141 Church Hill Rd., Somerset. Visitation Monday, June 19th from 4-8 p.m. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater and one hour prior to Mass at church.