Gary Leon Forsbeck passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on January 8, 2021, at the age of 85.
Gary was born June 17, 1935 in Gotham, Kansas to Ansel and Ruffina (Haarberg) Forsbeck. He attended school in Imperial, Nebraska graduating from Chase County High School in 1953. After completing one year of studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his enlistment he worked as a teletype equipment repairman, working in the Pentagon for Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. After the Army, Gary took the training he received and went to work for RCA. With RCA, Gary worked on the Atlas Missile Projects in Cheyenne, WY and Topeka, KS installing missile silo control consoles.
In October 1961 Gary was recalled to active duty at Ft. Monmouth, NJ to serve in the 301st Signal Company. During this enlistment, in January 1962 Gary ventured on a blind date at Air Lanes in Wyckoff, NJ. His date was Esther Roswell. That night he would bowl his best game ever, 10 straight strikes and spared out. From this, a love grew that has lasted for over 58 years. Gary and Esther were married July 8, 1962 in Ft. Monmouth, NJ.
In August 1962 he was released from active duty and returned to work for RCA in Mount Holly, NJ. RCA swiftly transferred Gary to Omaha, NE for computer repair training. After bumping into an old Army buddy, Gary was persuaded to go to work for Xerox Corporation. This employment would see Gary go from technical repairman, field service manager and corporate technical trainer. Gary retired from Xerox in 1998 after 35 years. After two years of retirement Gary went back to work part-time. This time with XBS, on his terms, I don’t work Monday or Friday. Gary began to enjoy full retirement in 2002.
Gary and Esther moved to Kansas City, MO in May 1963. There they were blessed with 3 children, Corissa, Rebecca and Matthew.
Gary was heavily involved in Calvary Lutheran Church and School. He served as congregation president, elder, choir member and bible class leader. Gary loved singing bass in the choir. He enjoyed working with children during vacation bible school, continuing the spread of the Gospel. Gary was a founding board member in the establishment of Lutheran High School-Kansas City.
Gary enjoyed passing along his love of the outdoors by being involved in Camp Fire Girls and Boy Scouts. He enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing and hunting.
Fall and winter found Gary back in Imperial, NE walking cut corn and wheat stubble fields hunting pheasant. This was a pastime deeply enjoyed with his son Matt, brother Don and countless family members and friends.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Ansel and Ruffina Forsbeck, sisters Betty Forsbeck, Colleen Kinder and brother Donald Forsbeck. He is survived by his wife Esther; his children Corissa Dean, husband Tim, Griswold, IA, 3 children, 2 great grandchildren; Rebecca Moore, husband David, Cole Camp, MO, 3 children, 3 great grandchildren; Matthew Forsbeck, Kansas City, MO, 3 children.
Gary Forsbeck touched many lives. Always having a positive upbeat attitude, he offered words of love and encouragement. He always greeted with a bright smile and a firm handshake. Gary had a wonderful self- deprecating sense of humor. Gary was a devoted follower of Christ, always eager to share the Gospel. His unending love for Esther, his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews was always known. We love you and will see you again in His glory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests Gary be honored by donations to Lutheran High School-Kansas City.
Visitation will be 9AM, services at 10AM, Saturday, January 16 at Calvary Lutheran Church; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Service Information:Visitation will be 9AM, services at 10AM, Saturday, January 16 at Calvary Lutheran Church; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
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