Forrest M Downie,
September 11, 1912 - June 05, 2010
Obituary
MADISON-Forrest Moore Downie, age 97, a longtime Madison resident, died on Saturday, June 5, 2010. He was born on Sept. 11, 1912, in Merrill, the son of Leon and Maude (Sharp) Downie. Forrest was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Roeker on June 16, 1934. She preceded him in death in 1989. Forrest was also preceded in death by a son, Robert; sister, Joanne; and brothers, Jack and Bruce. He lived in Portage and Chicago, Ill., before moving to the Madison area where he was employed by Demco Library Supplies for 23 years, retiring in 1974. Forrest was an athlete all his life, participating in earlier years in basketball, tennis, golf, football, track and bowling. He continued bowling and golfing until age 90. Forrest was very competitive and maintained a lifelong interest in all sports. He also enjoyed card playing and his pet dogs. Forrest is survived by his children, Jane (Marvin Garber) Sorensen of Chicago, Ill., Jean (Duaine) Walser of Hartford, Dale (Linda) Downie of Monona, and Forrelyn Gamer of Madison; grandchildren, Robert (Anne Marie) Roeker of Danbury, Conn., Gwen Kanelos of Lombard, Ill., Donald (Deborah) Walser of Germantown, Lisa (Robert) Schmeling of Milwaukee, Dorene Gamer of Madison, Darrin Gamer of Madison, Chad (Jamie) Gamer of De Forest, David (Sara) Downie of Stoughton, Laura (Russell) Brudos of Monona, Steven (Cory) Sorensen of Harvard, Ill., and Rebecca Roeker of Raleigh, N.C.; and 18 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. The family would like to express a special thanks to Harmony Living Center of McFarland for their special care and support.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010.
Service:
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010.
Events
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Memories
BZ
Bonnie Zarch
Other •
You have my sincere condelences.
Bonnie
IN
Irving & Erusha Newman
Other •
Dear Jane & Marvin,
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Forrest after a very long and fruitful life. We know that you appreciate having been in his company for so many years which is a great blessing.
Jane, please pass our condolences to all your family.
LS
Lynn and Lynda Stone
Other •
Dear Aunt Jane and Marv,
We are sad to learn of your dad's passing but we are thankful that he lived a long and vibrant life where family and friends were cherished and activities were enjoyed. Please know that we are thinking of you both and your family Aunt Jane and keeping you all in our prayers.
With our love,
Lynn, Lynda & Brittany Alyce
KP
Kathy Palm
Other •
Dearest Aunt Janie and family, we send our thoughts and prayers to all of you. Feeling that we knew your Dad so well from all your shared stories, we know that you will all miss him. What a wonderful tribute each of you are to the special person that he was. Our hearts are with you as you celebrate the life so well lived by your dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Much love and sympathy from Kathy, Bob, and Greg.
W
wildermans
Other •
Dear Aunt Jane and family,
We are saddened to hear your news, but know he is at peace. From all your stories, we know he has left many loving memories with you, so you can celebrate the long and active life he had. We know that you being with him brought great comfort. We are thinking of you and send our love and prayers.
With love, Kathy, Kris, Katie, Alyssa,and Jon
DP
Dan and Karen Pohl
Other •
Peace be with you Uncle Forrey