Edward "Ed" Forness
September 11, 1958 ~ November 14, 2023
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Moorhead, Minnesota
Ed Forness, 65, of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on November 14, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. A cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Ed lived a life of kindness, laughter, and an unwavering passion for music.
Born September 11, 1958 to James and Ethel “Pinky” Forness in Fargo, ND, Ed lived in the FM area most of his life. His love affair with music, especially from the ’70s, defined much of his life. As a talented musician in local bands, Ed’s infectious enthusiasm for music extended beyond performance—he shared its joy with everyone, regardless of their musical inclination.
Family was at the core of Ed’s being. He took immense pride in his role as a father to Leon Walter, Ed Forness Jr., and Victoria Forness. His grandchildren—Kylar Moltzan, McKenna Walter, Natasha Walter, Dylan Forness, Olive Forness, Dayson Forness, Dezzi Sutton, and Lucas Sutton—were a source of immeasurable joy and pride in his life.
Ed’s humor, known far and wide as the king of dad jokes, lit up every room he entered. His friendships remained unwavering, evident in his enduring closeness with former spouses Mandy, Rita, and Marlys.
Ed shared an inseparable bond with his twin brother, Dave, transcending the familial connection to become lifelong companions. Together, they explored their shared passions for guitars, motorcycles, and, of course, music.
Ed will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and sister Deb (Rick) Priglemeier, Kathy Forness, Barb (Chris) Brannam, twin brother Dave (Wanda) Forness, numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Pinky, sisters Mickey Forness and Caren Hendrickson, nephew Ryan Dick Forness, and niece AnneMarie Camp.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Monday, December 11th, at the FM Labor Temple, 3001 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 with visitation beginning at 3:00, followed by a prayer service at 6:00. An open microphone session for music and memories will follow, inviting all who knew Ed to celebrate his musical legacy.
For online obituary, guestbook, and photos visit www.edforness.com.
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Met Ed many years ago , and I don’t think ever saw Ed without a smile. Have some fond memories of Ed with his brother Dave when we were in third grade at Woodrow Wilson. Gone to soon
Sorry for your loss Deb and Kathy. I hope I can get their and hope to see you.
Wanda and Dave I have just heard of your loss. Cancer is so hard on everyone not only the person to live with, but know that time does heal when you realize the pain and suffering is done and that they are in better hands. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Penny
To Ed’s family …. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Forness’s, Bankers, Wendlicks, we all went to school together. May he RIP
Sorry to hear of Ed’s passing many memories of Ed and Dave from our younger years. It was always great to run into them every now and then and chuckle about what went on back then and all the people from years gone by.
To all of Ed’s Family, I want to extend all thoughts and prayers for comfort. Ed was truly one of the good ones – they always seem to be called home first. He is going to be missed by all.