George W. Forrand

MADISON-George W. Forrand, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, in Madison, surrounded by family. He was born on Jan. 30, 1927, in Wisconsin Rapids. He grew up in Black River Falls and was raised by his mother, Isabelle Currier and step-dad, Floyd Currier. He married Thelma Ann Harkins, who passed away in 1989 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. George served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1944 to 1946, and was a member of the September 2014 Badger honor flight to Washington, DC. He graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Business Management. George worked as an accountant before starting his own interior design and remodeling business, Contract Interiors, which he owned and operated for 20 years. As a young man, he obtained his pilot's license and was a member of the Mad Cap Flying Club. He also participated in "penny a pound" charity airplane rides for the public, and enjoyed pleasure flights with his friends and family. More than anything George loved spending time boating, fishing and camping with friends and family and took countless trips to the north woods and Goose Island along the Mississippi River. George will be dearly missed by his beloved family; sons, Mark Forrand (Penny Adams), Randy Forrand (Bridget Kelley) of Madison; daughter, Kristine (David) Pittz; step-grandson, Corey Pittz of Windsor; and nephew, Kyle Larson of Rhinelander. He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle; step-dad, Floyd; ex-wife, Thelma; aunt, Teddy Gibson; and uncle, James Gibson. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, with the Reverend David Brynelson of Heartland Hospice presiding. Burial will follow the service at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or the family. The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice and Belmont Nursing Home for their kind and loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420