ALAN JOHN FORSTING
ALAN JOHN FORSTING
Alan John Forsting, 74, of Merrillan, passed away peacefully July 14, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Alan was born April 8, 1951, in Lake Geneva, WI, to Jim and Ethel (Johnson) Forsting. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Alma Center, WI, in 1969. He worked on various farms in the Alma Center area after high school, and then worked for the railroad for 41 years before retiring. He was a past member of the Merrillan Fire Department/First Responders group.
He had an amazing creative talent. His expertise for years was with making log furniture. From beds, to swings, to even a “red neck log deer stand on wheels” that he took to parades. Along with his wife, Sandy, there was no end to the crafty ideas that together they made a reality. His talents went far from just home. Alan was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need … family, friends, neighbors …. his kindness was never ending. His witty sense of humor was one of a kind. And if you knew Al, you at one time witnessed … the smirk.
He enjoyed fishing and being in the outdoors. One of his passions was working in the yard with Sandy (Ma). Even there they had a creativity that makes their yard a joy to see with all the new things they came up with. He even enjoyed mowing lawn(s) … and that means not just his own. He was always willing to help out a neighbor or friend with yardwork and projects. And yes … he was a mechanic too. He enjoyed working with his sons and daughters with their vehicles whenever needed.
Alan was a devoted husband and father. He is survived and missed by his loving wife, Sandy of 40 years; and his children, Alene, Alysia, Dustin, Nick (Amanda) and Shawn. Forever loved and cherished by his grandchildren, Bryce (Abby Heath), Landen, Ava, Layne, Jayden, Aaron, Hunter, Nova, and River; great-grandchildren Zion, Arya, Oliver and Ellorie. His family was his world!
His memory lives on with his brothers and sisters, Jim (Wanda) Forsting, Ken (Julie) Forsting, Jeanine (Hoyt) Strandberg, Don (Kathleen Clemons) Forsting, JoAnne (Randy Johnson) Forsting, Jaynee (David) Collins, Marianne Wittchow, Mike Forsting, Mia (Joe) Anibas, Mark (Debbie) Forsting, Marci (Greg) Baugher and David (Tammy) Forsting; his sister-in-law, Pam (Brian) Chandler; brother-in-law Mark Jingle; and Alan’s first wife, Shannon Baker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ethel Forsting; his infant sister, Mary JoAnne Theresa; his in-laws, Richard (his best buddy) and Delores Jingle; and his infant granddaughter, Harley Rain.
Although Al’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing. Carry his willingness to help others with you and inspire you to do the same.
The Celebration of Life for Alan will be Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Jensen Modjeski Funeral Home in Hixton, WI, from 4-7 p.m.