Bert Lavern Fornshell

Bert Lavern Fornshell, 86, of Pillager, died Aug. 16, 2009 at his home, following a courageous battle with cancer. 

Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pillager.  Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Brenny Funeral Chapel Reception Center in Baxter and one hour prior to services at the Church. Burial with Military Honors will be in Wildwood Cemetery at Pillager following services.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.

Bert was born Nov. 8, 1922, in Woodworth, N.D, to James and Johanna (Buskeness) Fornshell. He attended Pillager School until he joined the Navy in 1942. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After returning home to Pillager Sept. 18, 1948, he married Dorothy Eppelsheimer at the First Lutheran Church in Brainerd,

Bert was employed by Potlatch in Brainerd for 18 years until retirement. He enjoyed staying busy with his hobby farm, raising birds, horses, Dalmatians,   woodworking, tending to his collections, watching birds and his family.

Bert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years; one son, Randy (Bonnie) Fornshell of Milltown, Wisc.; two daughters, Debbie (Keith) Skeesick of Motley; Cindy (Arlo Rohl) Barnett of Pillager; eight grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, Josh, Alexis, Hunter, Tann two sisters, Alta (Bud) Loucks; Betty Farber; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Fornshell; Lorraine Fornshell; one brother-in-law, Duane (Delores) Eppelsheimer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Curt, Leonard, Raymond, Charles, and Darald; four sisters, Leona, Lenora, Ida, and Viola.