Bernard Fors Jr. Obituary

Bernard Donald Fors, Jr., 92, passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Edgewater Retirement Community in West Des Moines, IA. Services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA. Burial will be at a private ceremony at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, IA.

Don was born February 4, 1931, in Des Moines, IA, to Bernard and Esther (Wesson) Fors. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from East High School in 1949.

He enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1951, and proudly served our country for three years. His rank at the time of discharge was Sergeant. He then began his career as a teacher and administrator, ultimately serving 30 years with the Des Moines Public School System before retiring in 1992.

Don met his loving wife Barbara while teaching at Roosevelt High School, and they were married on April 6, 1968. They made their home in Des Moines.

Don was a longtime member of Central Presbyterian Church. His faith and love of his family were the cornerstone of his life. He spent many happy summers with family at his cabin on Deer Yard Lake in Minnesota. Later in life, he enjoyed traveling to Europe with Barb. Don and Barb shared their love of travel with their granddaughter Laura, making wonderful memories while on Elderhostel adventures.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed gardening and reading. He coached track and field, and was proud to serve as an official at the Drake Relays for many years.

His love, hard work, and good example enriched many lives and he will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory include his wife, Barbara Fors of West Des Moines, daughter Valerie (David) Sondag of West Des Moines, granddaughter Laura (Tom) Peterson of Indianola, great-grandchildren Max, Ellie, and Ivy Peterson of Indianola, sister Janet (Jerry) Card of Ankeny, brother-in-law Larry Clark of Ankeny, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Esther Fors, brothers Bill and Jim Fors, and sister Linda Clark.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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