14 Aug Bill Forster

William “Bill” Forster, 90, Bismarck, died Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Baptist Healthcare Center.  A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. (CST) at St. Mary’s Church, Richardton, ND.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.  Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, at 3:00 p.m.

William (Bill) Forster was born on November 13, 1928 to John A. and Elizabeth Brittner Forster. He grew up in Richardton and enlisted in the United States Army serving in Japan until his honorable discharge. It was during this time that he met Della Melchior and they were married on September 29, 1952 at St. Mary’s Church.

He worked for Johnny’s Appliance for several years before becoming owner and manager of Bill’s Texaco in downtown Richardton and moving to the I-94 Texaco which changed to Exxon and finally Amoco. After 35 years he retired in 1991.

Bill was a volunteer fireman for 30 years; a life member of the Knights of Columbus; member of the ND Retail Association, Lions, and a 70-year member of the American Legion Post 180. Always a handy man he was called many times by family or friends for a helping hand.

Bill is survived by his wife Della; sons, Terry (Carrie), Lompoc, CA, Julian (Carol Katona), Monument, CO, Mike (Miledy), Kyle (Robin), Bismarck; daughter, Eileen (Kevin) Chew, Danville, CA; nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren;  brother, Francis (Lavina), Bismarck; and sisters, Grace Kearns, Augusta, GA; Florence Campagna, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ervin and John C.; sisters, Irene Walth, Lorraine Porter and Phylis Rinker.