KOHRT, Forrest Jesse

KOHRT, OAKS, FOLLETT, BLEVINS, HILSABECK

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 6/30/2008 at 11:23:45

Cherokee Chronicle Times, Thursday, June 19, 2008

Funeral services for Forrest Kohrt, 86, of Aurelia, were held at 10:30 p.m. on June 16, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee with Pastor Richard Arndt and Pastor Larry Lemke officiating. Forrest passed away on June 12, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.

The Cherokee VFW conducted military honors. Burial was held in the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation was held on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m., with the family being present from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia.

Forrest Jesse Kohrt was born on Sept. 21, 1921, in Rock Rapids, the son of Jesse and Zella (Oaks) Kohrt. Forrest spent his youth in Rock Rapids, graduating from the Rock Rapids High School in 1940. After graduation Forrest attended Iowa State University until 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. That same year he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Follett, on Oct. 10, 1942 in Chicago, Ill. After his service in the war and being awarded a purple heart, Forrest completed his degree at ISU and worked with the ISU Extension Service until his retirement in 1986. Forrest received many honors for his dedicated service to the Cherokee area including the Distinguished Service Award and induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cherokee, Aurelia Kiwanis Club, Aurelia Development Corporation, SCORE, Grashoff McManus American Legion Post #390 of Aurelia, and the Cherokee County Fair Board. He also enjoyed square dancing, playing Bridge, and golfing, but most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding Forrest in death were his parents, his wife Lois on Dec. 7, 2005, a brother, Robert Kohrt, brother-in-law Bob Blevins and a sister-in-law, Jean Follett.

Survivors include his four children: Bill of Cherokee, Alan and his wife Lois of Atlanta, Ga., Stan and his wife Nancy of Guthrie, Okla., and Cindy Hilsabeck of Strawberry Point. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, a sister, Ruth Blevins of Los Angeles, Calif., and a brother-in-law, Bob Follett of Hastings, Minn. Forrest was blessed with nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends who were just like family to him.