Leo R. Forsting

Leo R. Forsting, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly of Columbia, SD, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2015. He was 93 years young on his earthly journey.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Westport, SD, with Father J. Joseph Holzhauser and Deacon Peter Mehlhaff officiating.

Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Aberdeen.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m., Thursday, at the mortuary, followed by a Liturgical Wake Service and Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour prior to Mass at the church in Westport on Friday.

Leo Robert Forsting was born October 22, 1921, to Henry and Catherine (Clarkin) Forsting Sr. of Columbia, SD. He attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse and went on to graduate, at the young age of sixteen, from Barnard High School. After learning the craft of farming from his parents, he left for the big city of Aberdeen, where he worked at KO LEE Industries, Firestone Tire, and Hub City Sale Barn before starting his own farm north of Aberdeen.

Leo wed Agnes Barbara Brossart on April 23, 1946, in Westport, SD. Side by side they lived, loved, laughed, worked, and raised seven children together. He was active on Township Boards, the Democratic Party (yes, he was quite the liberal), ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service), among other various public, civil, and faith services. Some of us may also recall his stances in which he actively stated and promoted in the Public Voice editorial in the Aberdeen American News.

As with any other farmer, Leo loved to farm; and he did so for his entire life. Additionally, he avidly enjoyed all sports. Those being at the top of the list were: football, NASCAR, and boxing. When in high school, Leo boxed and then carried it outside of school where he won a few and lost a few. As most people in the Midwest love hunting, so did Leo; a sport he never tired of. Throughout his entire life, a loyal canine would be a constant by his side. Leo's love of family, faith, friends, and nature were his balance and center. His mantra to his children was: "Take care of each other. We're all just paper and glue". And, Dad, we will do just that. We take this time to salute the many hats he wore so overtly; his tenacity, strength, wisdom, and consistency.

Survivors include three daughters: Mary (Eugene) Thorpe of Hecla, SD, Madonna Sahli, and Maria (Paul) Anderson of Aberdeen, SD; four sons: Michael Forsting of Aberdeen, SD, Mark (Sugrida) Forsting of Tampa, FL, Morris (Gloria) Forsting of Sioux Falls, SD, and Monty (Jolene) Forsting of Aberdeen, SD; ten grandchildren: Deanna, Josh, Michael, Jan, Carey, B.J., Houston, Chris, Tanner and Eric; and seven great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Grace, Olivia, Liam, Skye, Lincoln, and Lawson.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Catherine Forsting; wife, Agnes Forsting; older brother, Henry Forsting Jr.; his twin sister, Leona Blando; and one grandson, Matthew Forsting.