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Walter Forman Obituary
Don't cry because it's over. … Laugh because you had the pleasure of knowing him.
Walter Joe Forman, 72, passed away in the early morning hours of April 2, 2021, in Knoxville, Tennessee, with his daughters by his side.
He was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on April 5, 1948, the son of Frank and Pauline Forman. He graduated with the Class of 1966 from Elkhart High School.
After attending Indiana University in Bloomington, he returned to Elkhart to help run the family business (City News and Bookstore including the Card and Book Carrousel Stores) for over 30 years. After retiring from City News, he worked for Schwan's Home Delivery for 10 years.
Walt split his time between his house on Long Lake in Union, Michigan, and his condominium in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, after his retirement.
He enjoyed watching sporting events, including IU basketball and football, and Green Bay Packer football (member of the Packer Backers of Knoxville). But mostly he loved to watch his beloved Chicago Cubs!
Walt was a gracious host always welcoming you for a good time on the lake. He loved to encourage friends and family to step outside their comfort zone and take on new adventures.
Walt is survived by his daughters, Dr. Franci Forman (Shawn Pukahi) of Beaverton, Oregon, and Kelli Anne Forman of Seattle, Washington, his fiancé Kay Baker of Knoxville, Tennessee, his mother Pauline Forman Swinehart of Mishawaka, Indiana; brother George Forman (Ann) of Granger, Indiana; sister Betty Forman (Larry Goffney) of Alexandria, Virginia; nieces Barb Ruess (Matt), Diane Fenner (Joel), and nephew Alex Forman (Beth) and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Anyone who was blessed to have been a part of Walt's life knew he was a Wanna Be Italian, a prankster and loved to tell a good story. His eyes would sparkle when his stories included his favorite subjects: his two beautiful, adventurous and independent daughters.
Per Walt's wishes, please join the family for a Lake Party under the tent at his house 69899 Ridgeway Union, Michigan, from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. We will be "FLYING THE W" in his honor!
In lieu of flowers, please encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated. Contributions will also be accepted to have a bench installed in his memory at his favorite spot to watch the sunset from his condo complex in Gatlinburg.
Life is too important to be taken seriously. … Go ahead, come celebrate with us!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Forman
2 Entries
Cynthia R. Kamstra
February 19, 2022
Last year I moved to LaPorte, Indiana. During my move I found photos of times spent in Walt's company on several occasions at his home in Michigan. Memories from a very long time ago.
Sending condolences to your entire family.
Enjoyed his easy conversation and ready smile. Our lives just took different paths. Sad to find this notice of his passing.
Ed and Karen Bollu
September 24, 2021
We have known the Forman family for years. We got close to Walter (I think he liked it when I called him that) when we owned a cottage right up on Ridgeway for 19 years. We just sold in 2020. We apologize to Kelly and Francie for missing this event. Kelly use to take our daughter Julie out on the jet ski when she was like 8 or 9. If I ever needed a tool Walt would say just go look in my garage the house is always open! He became a good friend a gave me some solid advice thru those years.
Written by Ed for both me and Karen Bollero. I still strive to be free on earth like Walt was.
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