Forrest was born on Dec. 6, 1921, in Carrington, ND to Morton A. and Clara Swanson.
After many years of relocating to find work, the family settled in Buena Vista where Forrest graduated from Buena Vista High School in 1940.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic in the 153rd Infantry Medical Detachment from August 1942 to November 1945. Part of that time was spent in the Aleutian Islands. He was a member of American Legion for 64 years.
He married Lela (Lee) G. Etzler on Nov. 26, 1947 in Denver. Forrest worked for Safeway for 30 years at the Safeway warehouse. He retired as produce dock foreman in August 1983.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lee, stepson Joe Coffield, daughter-in-law Kim, four brothers, Clarence, Warren, Lawrence, and Axel, and two sisters, Ethel Newcomb and Clara Belle Stranahan.
He is survived by three sisters of Buena Vista, two granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on February 9, 2015, with the U.S. Army and the All Veterans Honor Guard providing the military honors.
A celebration of life gathering was held directly after the service at the residence of Forrest’s niece.
Memorial expressions may be made to the Diabetes Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Legion or any charity of your choice.
[Used with permission from Chaffee County Times to Eva Pippin Flowers (#47244686) with living survivors deleted]
Forrest was born on Dec. 6, 1921, in Carrington, ND to Morton A. and Clara Swanson.
After many years of relocating to find work, the family settled in Buena Vista where Forrest graduated from Buena Vista High School in 1940.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic in the 153rd Infantry Medical Detachment from August 1942 to November 1945. Part of that time was spent in the Aleutian Islands. He was a member of American Legion for 64 years.
He married Lela (Lee) G. Etzler on Nov. 26, 1947 in Denver. Forrest worked for Safeway for 30 years at the Safeway warehouse. He retired as produce dock foreman in August 1983.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lee, stepson Joe Coffield, daughter-in-law Kim, four brothers, Clarence, Warren, Lawrence, and Axel, and two sisters, Ethel Newcomb and Clara Belle Stranahan.
He is survived by three sisters of Buena Vista, two granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on February 9, 2015, with the U.S. Army and the All Veterans Honor Guard providing the military honors.
A celebration of life gathering was held directly after the service at the residence of Forrest’s niece.
Memorial expressions may be made to the Diabetes Association, Alzheimer’s Association, American Legion or any charity of your choice.
[Used with permission from Chaffee County Times to Eva Pippin Flowers (#47244686) with living survivors deleted]
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Gravesite Details
Obituary published 6 February 2015, The Denver Post. Fairmount Mortuary. Graveside service 9 February 2015.
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