John Fornes

john fornes
John Francis Fornes, 77, died peacefully at Rosewood Nursing Home on Monday, October 5th, 2015. John was born on April 5, 1938, in Fargo, ND to John A. and Margaret (Kelly) Fornes. He graduated from Casselton High School in 1956. John worked on the Dalrymple farm in Casselton, ND, where his dad was a foreman and his mom cooked for all the hired men until his father’s death. He then entered the United States Army. After his time in the military, he went to work for the United States Post Office compiling 38 years of government service until his retirement in 1998. John was united in marriage to Mary Monilaws on July 8th, 1967. Together they made their home in Fargo where they raised their three children. During their early married years, John was also the trumpet player in the Hal Kinney Band, which was one of his true passions. He entered Rosewood Nursing Home in 2014 where his wife remained his constant companion. John loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them more than anything. When his children were growing up, he spent many hours on the baseball and softball fields coaching them well into their teenage years. His love of sport and baseball, in particular, were synonymous with him. If anyone knew John, his beloved Dodgers were a constant source of conversation. He could talk baseball for hours with anyone. But most of all, his most precious moments were those spent with his grandchildren in their school, sports and religious activities. John is survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughters, Ann (Jeff) Van Wie Duluth, GA; Susan (Mitchell) Hanson Fargo; son, Tim, Fargo. He has four beautiful grandchildren; Mackenzie and Madison Hanson Fargo; Andrew and Lauren Van Wie Duluth, GA. He is also survived by his aunt, Catherine Libbrecht, Battle Lake, MN; brothers-in-law Kenneth Monilaws, Keith (Sharon) Monilaws Absaraka, ND; Arlo (Donna) Monilaws Bradenton, FL; nieces and nephews and many wonderful cousins that were like siblings to him. John was preceeded in death by his parents John and Margaret; infant sister, Margaret Ann; brother-in-law Robert (Kate) Monilaws. We would also like to express a special thank you to all the staff at Rosewood Nursing Home for the compassion and love they showed him and ImaHealthcare physicians and staff for their wonderful care and support. Visitation:Wednesday, October 7th, 2015 from 6-8pm with prayer service to follow at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Visitation will also take place one hour before the funeral at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Funeral:Thursday, October 8th, 2015 at 2:00pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Fargo. Burial:St. Leo’s Cemetery, Casselton, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

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  1. Dear Aunt Mary and family,
    I am very saddened by the passing of Uncle John. I do know that he is now in a better place. I so remember his patented “how’s she going” every time I would see him. I hope the days ahead will bring you peace and you cherish the memories of this great guy. God Bless his Memory. John

  2. So sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers to you, Mary, and your family. Such a kind man and a baseball fan. May all the good memories give you comfort. Melisa

  3. I am so truly sorry for the loss of your most loved Husband, Father, Grandpa and friend. He was such an amazing guy… Heaven gained a great one this week! Love and prayers to your whole family!

  4. Mary and Family,

    The Lloyd Levin family wanted to let you know we are thinking of you at this time. When Dad enter Rosewood, it helped to see John sitting in the lobby, (Two old friends together again). Well now they can play golf together. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

  5. John was a good friend and classmate throughout our grade and high school education period. I do remember often hearing about his then Brooklyn Dodgers and how he would some day play for them when he grew up. A very talented trumpet player who played first trumpet as a freshmen in high school band. Had occasion to run into him at Rosewood a couple of years back and enjoyed a good visit. The world needs men like John and he will be missed.

  6. Dear Mary, Ann, Jeff & Forne family,
    Our good Lord has called John to his eternal rest where he will not suffer anymore and be able to watch over all his loving family. We will always remember all the good memories. We were so privileged to share so many great times together. Mary & Ann, we will continue to keep you in our daily prayers.

    All our love,
    Bill & Gloria Cortez

  7. Susan and Entire family…
    My heartfelt thoughts,prayers sent to you at this difficult time.It was such a pleasure working with your dad,John at the post office.
    Thinking of you,all

    Jill,Isabelle,Eli Miller

  8. Dear Aunt Mary and family,
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle John was a wonderful Uncle and a great friend. We will miss him dearly, but the memories we have will live on in our hearts forever.
    Love you all,
    Melanie and Steven

  9. Thank you so much for sharing john with us. Many memories and much love were spread with John in our care. Mary thank you for all the help and please come visit. Your kindness and loving nature were such a blessing to be around in our chaotic but special family at rosewood. Love you guys

  10. Dear Mary and Family, So sorry to hear of cousin John’s death. We were the same age and I remember visiting each other when we were small. So sorry we all didn’t keep in touch. We have been living in Oklahoma many years since Bill retired from the army. May God bless you all in this sad time. Janet

  11. My sympathy to you, Mary, and your family in the loss of John. John is at peace, but for you and your family, it will take time to accept what God has planned for us. I wish I could be there to be with family at this sad time. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you as they have been over the course of Johns illness. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Love to you and your family.


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