Francis Forret Obituary

Francis Jacob Forret passed away November 21, 2022. The family will greet friends from 10-11am on January 9, 2023 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 11am at the church.

Francis was born May 19, 1920, one of six children born to Jacob and Irene Forret. He graduated from Van Meter High School in 1937. Francis was a proud WWII Veteran where he served in the 117th Infantry Army, and the 20th Air Corps Division from February 1942 - November 1945. Francis married June Griswold February 7th, 1945 and raised two daughters, Juanita (Bosma), and Marlene (Erpelding). Francis lived and farmed the family farm between Van Meter and Waukee his entire life. Francis served 12 years as a Supervisor on the Dallas County Board of Supervisors. Francis moved from the family farm to Waukee in 1990 and then to The Village at Legacy Point in 2006 where he enjoyed the friendship of many dear friends.

Francis was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, June; his daughter, Juanita Bosma; parents, Jacob and Irene Forret; sisters, Bernice Quinn, Janet Mullen, and Grace Merical, and brother William Forret.

Francis is survived by daughter, Marlene (Gerald) Erpelding, Collierville, TN; sister, Adeline Downey, Waukee; five grandchildren: Tricia Erpelding, Maryville, TN, Paul (Ruth) Erpelding, Collierville, TN, Kristen (Mark) DelSordo, Chesapeake, VA, Todd (Sheela) Erpelding, Ladera Ranch, CA, and Scott (Emily) Erpelding, Richmond, VA; 10 great-grandchildren, Mirielle & Lela Erpelding, Liliana, Avery, Owen, and Gavin Erpelding, Dillon & Julia Delsordo, Madison & Britton Erpelding and son-in-law Ray (Vonnie) Bosma. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Independence Village, Waukee for their care and compassion that made such a difference in Francis’s quality of life during the last 16 years, and to the dear friends that also lived at Independence Village with him who truly became his extended family. The family also wants to extend a special thank you to his sister, Adeline and nephew, Jerel Merical and his wife Elaine who were there to provide Francis transportation and to help be his care advocates during the last few years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, Waukee, Iowa, or a charity of your choice in Francis’s name. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Brandt Chapel

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