George Samuel Forsen

George Samuel Forsen passed away February 17, 2015. George was born to George K. and Leola M. Forsen on September 2, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Margaret Gilmore on September 26, 1942. They were married for 72 blessed years. He enjoyed hunting & fishing with his parents and siblings in Missouri, and passed that tradition on to his own family.
Corporal George S. Forsen served as a Gun Crewman Ammunition NCO with the 744th Field Artillery Battalion, firing 1,191 rounds in combat, and traveling more than 7,713 miles through Rhineland, Central Europe, Rome-Arno, South France, and the Naples-Foggia campaigns, during World War II. Corporal Forsen served his country with honor and distinction throughout his 3 years in the European Theater and had the honor of serving under George S. Patton, Mark Clark, and Omar Bradley. Corporal Forsen is awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle East Theater Campaign Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal, 4 Overseas Bars, and the Honorably Discharged Lapel Button. Our Great Country is forever indebted for his tremendous strength and sacrifice.
After returning home from the war, he and Margaret moved to California. George learned the carpentry trade and eventually worked up to Master Carpenter. He built churches, schools, and hospitals. George also crafted his own home that his family lived in for 30 years on Sycamore Court in Upland, California.
Upon retirement, George and Margaret moved to Palm Desert in 1983. While living in the desert, George enjoyed golfing until the age of 85. He made the unprecedented accomplishment of two holes in one. He enjoyed the sport so much, that he refurbished golf clubs for the youth. This is only one of many examples of his generosity and faith. George was successful in showing others the love and forgiveness he received from his Savior Jesus Christ.
George is survived by wife, Margaret of Palm Desert, CA; daughter, Pam Shanks of Las Vegas, NV; Son, Samuel Forsen of Upland, CA; and sisters, Shirley Forsen of MO and Dixie Kidney of NC; he is also survived by 6 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. George was preceded and met, with open arms in heaven, by his daughter, Deborah Jo Medford of TX.
George was a wonderful husband, inspirational and loving father, as well as a philanthropic mentor to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known for his joyful smile, his quiet humility, and his quick wit with an uplifting joke.
In the celebration of George's earthly life, our memories of him will continue to bless us. The world is better having had him in it. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 12:00 pm in the Ramon Chapel with a reception to follow at 1:00 pm in the Ramon Room at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cathedral City, CA. A graveside service will he held on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 1:30 pm at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA.