Harl R. Forston

Harl passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on October 21, 2013 at the age of 66. He had been diagnosed with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer on April 3, 2013 and waged a valiant fight until the very end. Harl is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years Patricia "Patty" (nee Sather), his children Brian Robert, Rachel Marie (Kurt) Troyer, his cherished and beloved grandchildren Anelise (fiancé Mike), Alex, Thomas and Jackson. Harl is further survived by his siblings; Narl, Linda, Billy, Perry, and Donald along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends that he considered family. Harl is preceded in death by his parents Esto and Dorothy Forston, his elder brother David and sister Shirley Feierday.

Harl was well respected in the construction industry where he had worked since he was 15 years old. He retired as the Vice President of James Luterbach Construction Company Inc. in December 2012 after many loyal and dedicated years. He had begun his career there in 1969. He was looking forward to spending his retirement years with the love of his life and his family.

Harl also proudly served in the US Army 961st Engineer Construction Battalion for 11 years. He was a proud American and wore a lapel pin of the American Flag throughout his life.

His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He was their proud "papa" not their grandpa. He was their biggest fan at every activity and sporting event. He would often brag about them to anyone that would listen. He knew their exact tickle spots and beamed every moment he was with them. His vacations and free time were spent with his family on road trips to football games and gymnastic meets. He never missed a one.

He was well known as an "early to bed, early to rise" person, in fact as the years went by he was in bed by 7:00 PM and up by 3:00 AM, the complete opposite of his night owl wife. Harl lived a life of health and happiness. He enjoyed long bike rides and his extremely early morning workouts, which were done daily even through the first months of his cancer treatment. His passing will leave a very large void in the lives of his family and friends.

Harl always wanted his daughter Rachel to write a book about her Rachelisms. He enjoyed her journal entries that she wrote on his behalf through the "Caring Bridge" website. If you would like to follow his journey for the last 6 months, you can visit <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org" target="_blank">www.caringbridge.org</a> (Harl Forston). Tributes can be made in Harl's name on the Caring Bridge site.

The medical care that Harl received from Froedtert Cancer Center was extraordinary and exceptional. He was treated with dignity and respect from everyone he encountered. Donations can also be made in memory of Harl Forston to the Froedtert Foundation, 9200 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53226 these funds will be directed to the Froedtert Cancer Center.

Join us for a celebration of his life at the Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, on Friday, October 25, from 4:00-6:45 PM with a service at 7:00 PM followed by a meal for more memory sharing.