Benjamin C. Forsterling

FUNERAL HOME

Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center

1201 N 8th Street

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Benjamin Forsterling Obituary

Benjamin C. Forsterling, 89, of Cedar Lake, Town Schleswig, Manitowoc County, died at his home on Thursday, March 8, 2012.

Benji was born April 8, 1922 in Sheboygan to Benjamin Sr. and Elizabeth (Baumann) Forsterling. He attended local elementary schools and Sheboygan Central High School.

He was employed at the former Phoenix Chair Co. and was an instructor for the Sheboygan Turner Society. In 1951, he formed the Elkhart Lake Police Dept. and served as Chief of Police for ten years. He then became an employee of the Sheboygan County Comprehensive Health Center where he was a supervisor, retiring in 1984.

Benji was a lifelong member of Zion Covenant Church, where he served as Zion's Cub Master for Pack 12, Scout Master for Troop 12 and Leader of Explorer Post #24. His service work was also extended to Zion's Camp Akela and in 1987 he organized Heritage 12, Akela, a group of former scouters to refurbish and make available Camp Akela to groups interested in scouting and camping. In scouting he earned the Eagle Rank and was awarded the Silver Beaver and the Order of the Arrow. Benji also served 16 years on the staff of Camp Rokilio, as Camp Director and the former Camp Taswood, Black River and at the Chilikothy National Camp School in Illinois.

He was a member of the Cassia Masonic Lodge #167 F. & A.M. Plymouth, a member of Harmony Chapter #10 and a Lifetime member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Benji was a member of Historical Research Center at Sheboygan Falls, and a Life Member of Farmer's and Sportsman Conservation Club.

In his retirement years he made his home on Cedar Lake where he was a member and past president of the Cedar Lake Improvement Association and served as a commissioner of Sanitary District #1, Town of Schleswig.

Survivors include, two sisters-in-law, Joyce Rohan of Jacksonville, Florida and Jean Forsterling of Sheboygan; and nieces and nephews.

Benji was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Orville, Roger, Gordon and Jerome; and two sisters, Elgin Forsterling and Lila Schmatz.

Funeral services will be held Monday, 11:30 A.M. at Zion Covenant Church. Rev. Dr. Steven J. Pedersen, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery. A time of visitation and support will be held at Zion Covenant Church on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in his name for Camp Akela in Sheboygan.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sheboygan Press on Mar. 10, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Forsterling

7 Entries

March 22, 2012

Dear Forsterling Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Benji. He was a great friend to me when I lived in WI. My sons William and Barrett Eisenhardt have wonderful memories of time spent with Benji at Cedar Lake when they were growing up. May he rest in peace. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Carleen Newell
Dunlap, TN

Dick Whinfield

March 20, 2012

My Dad, Cap Whinfield, had a deep fondness of Benji. Benji was a staff member, hired by Cap, at Camp Rokilio in the '30s and '40 and was much loved by every boy under Benji's joyous leadership.

Jeff Gartman

March 12, 2012

Benji was a good friend to my Father and Family and will be missed.
While growing up, He taught me much about honesty, integrity, and responsibility. May He rest in peace!

March 11, 2012

Judy and Ron Matzen (neighbors across "Turtle Bay") extend their
condolences to the family of Benji Forsterling. We have enjoyed his holiday decorations, especially at the 4th of July.

March 11, 2012

Jean, Dick, Tom and Family,
We are sad to hear of Benj passing. We are so sorry that we will not be able to be there for his Memorial Service. Jack so enjoyed his visits with him and will miss his smile and wave to us as we round the bend at the Lake. May all the fond memories you had at Cedar Lake with him sustain you during the weeks ahead.
You have our Deepest Sympathy.

Sincerely,

Jack and Sharon Rief
Sun Lakes, Az/ Cedar Lake Wi

Karl Vercouteren

March 11, 2012

Benji was my cubmaster starting in 1948 and scoutmaster several years after that. Meetings in the old Scout room in the basement of Zion House and camp-outs at Camp Akela are fond memories from my growing-up years, and Benji was a major part of all that. When I was ordained to the ministry at Zion in 1965 Benji and "Ma" Forsterling were there to celebrate with me, and I realized how much they contributed to my life. I'm so glad that Jean and I were able to return to Wisconsin in 2010 for the last of the Pack/Troop/Post 12 reunions at Benji's cottage-- a good visit with Benji and others who brought back so many memories of some very good old days. Farewell and God's blessing to an old mentor and friend who remained a good friend through many years.

March 10, 2012

Benji was a great neighbor and friend. We will miss visiting with him down at the lake.

Binversie Family

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