"I love this photo of Bill, Marilyn. He was an amazing man -- kind, devoted to family, spiritual, and a wonderful husband and Father. He will be greatly missed! "
In loving memory of
William Melvin Forgey
December 8, 1947 - November 17, 2018
William Melvin Forgey was born December 8, 1947 in Galesburg, Illinois to George W. and Ethel M. (Melvin) Forgey. Bill died November 17, 2018 at Households of Bethany in Story City, Iowa after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 1st at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2524 Hoover Ave., Ames, Iowa.
Bill graduated from Marengo High School in 1967 and attended Illinois State where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He furthered his education by attending graduate school at the University of Illinois for his Master's Degree and the University of Missouri (Columbia) for his Doctorate. Bill majored in plant genetics and spent his career developing various corn hybrids.
Bill was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was always willing to serve in many positions within the church. He was dedicated to his faith and a true follower of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bill met his wife, Marilyn, while at the University of Missouri. They were married May 24, 1978 in the Washington D.C. temple. Loving and serving his family gave him the greatest joy. He always put their needs above his own.
Bill enjoyed sports. In high school, he played baseball and football. He was an ardent fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. 2016 was a high point in his life when the Cubs won the World Series. His sons, however, loved wrestling. When that sport was removed from the middle school curriculum, Bill stepped in to become their coach. Although he had never wrestled in his life, he took it upon himself to learn the sport for his sons. He formed a wrestling club for boys that enabled them to become experienced wrestlers before they entered high school.
Bill was also a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America. He helped many young men, including his own three sons, become Eagle Scouts. He also loved and supported his daughter through her many sports and activities that included baseball, bowling, band, marching band, gymnastics, flags, etc.
Bill is survived by his wife, Marilyn Forgey; four children, Daniel Forgey, George (Kendra) Forgey, Tim (Breta) Forgey, and Rachel (Jody) Eckley; nine grandchildren, Alex, Megan, Noah, Lucas, Jacob, Isaac, Eliana, Gabrielle, and Ezekiel; Brother, Lynn (Linda) Forgey; Sisters, Nancy (Bill) Anderson and Candice (Mark) Wilcop. He was preceded in death by his father, George W. Forgey his mother, Ethel M. Forgey and grand nephew, Chase S. Cork.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Tributes
"I had the privilege of working with Bill (and his wife Marilyn) in that senior part time work later on in life at First Property Management. He was a joy to work with always calm and pleasant even in the midst of those times of extreme multiple demands on time and attention. I always appreciated him for that. As well as having great respect for his prior professional achievements. To read about what he accomplished in the loving care of his family is equally impressive! No doubt he will be greatly missed but he certainly deserves the peace of heaven to continue being that special spirit we were blessed to experience. "