Larry Forch

Larry K. Forch Jr.

Sept. 17, 1964 - Feb. 19, 2012

BENKELMAN, Nebraska --Larry K. Forch Jr. of Benkelman, Nebraska, died Feb. 19, 2012, at his home in Benkelman at the age of 47.

He was born Sept. 17, 1964, at Stratton, Nebraska, to Larry K. and Charlene A. (Yingling) Forch and attended school at Stratton Public Schools. He was a member of the Stratton High School graduating class of 1982.

After graduation, Larry joined his family in the petroleum business, Country Gas, and assisted with delivery of bulk agri-fuels and propane. He also assisted his family with their convenience stores in Stratton and Trenton.

In 1985, at the urging of his grandfather Yingling, Larry enrolled in an EMT class. He went on to take advanced classes in emergency care, and served as secretary of the Stratton Ambulance for several years. Larry was later voted in as President of the squad and served in the capacity, as well as a crew chief, for four more years.

In the fall of 1993, Larry moved to Houston, Texas where he pursued the educational requirements necessary to earn his degree in funeral service at Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service and North Harris Community College. He was a member of the National Funeral Service Honor Society and was on the Dean's List during his entire time at Commonwealth. Larry received his degree in Mortuary Science in August of 1994, and graduated with Honors and Distinction.

After graduation, Larry gained employment at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery in Houston, Texas, and practiced there as a licensed funeral director and embalmer until 1997, when he returned back to Nebraska. He attended McCook Community College to obtain the additional necessary classes to transfer his license to Nebraska, and in April of 1998, Larry and his family purchased Jones Funeral Home of Stratton. On January 1, 1999, he and his family took possession of Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman. He also owned and operated Forch Monument Company.

Larry grew up in Community United Methodist Church in Stratton. He was an active member of the National Funeral Directors' Association, and served as President and Vice President of District #7 of the Nebraska Funeral Directors' Association. He was an active member in the Stratton Community Development Organization where he maintained the community website and managed their public relations. Larry was a founding member of the Stratton Area Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the organization for many years. He further served his community as a member of the Board of Directors for the Stratton Community Foundation where he held the office of President for several years, and also served as the Secretary / Treasurer of the Stratton Rural Cemetery District.

In his spare time, Larry enjoyed fishing and RVing throughout the country. His greatest love was spending time with his family and friends.

Larry was dedicated to his profession, and took his position in the communities he served very seriously. He felt very strongly about serving each family with dignity and compassion. His dedication professionalism will be sadly missed.

He is preceded in death by his father, Larry K. Forch Sr.; grandparents, Robert and Marguerite Forch; grandparents, Harold R. and Adell Yingling; and his cat, Josh.

Those left to mourn his passing include his mother, Charlene Forch of Stratton, Nebraska; his companion of more than 17 years, Shannon McAdams of Benkelman, Nebraska; sister, Tuesday Forch and daughter Jyssica of Stratton, Nebraska; special friends: Linnea Ahlberg, Bob Stahly, Jasen Littrel, John Hardy, Alan Hardy, Jimmy Dailey, Kenny Egle and Ramond Reed; his parrot, Muggsy; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, friends and colleagues.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, 11 a.m. (MT) at the Dundy County-Stratton High School Gymnasium, Benkelman, with Revs. George Matthews and Brian Fong Officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Stratton, Nebraska.

Visitation will be Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23, 2012, 2 - 6 p.m. (MT) at the Forch Funeral Home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established in Larry's memory.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.