Forrest Kelsey

Grand Ledge, Forrest Larsen Kelsey, age 74, born March 7, 1936 in Grand Ledge, MI, passed away at his home on October 4, 2010. Forrest served as assistant plant superintendent with Formost Dairy Co. in Detroit prior to being appointed superintendent of the MSU Dairy Plant in 1963, and then spent the majority of his career as Director of Purchasing at MSU. Forrest graduated from Grand Ledge High School (1954) as class president and salutatorian. He was president of the FFA and received the State Farmer degree. In his junior year he was a delegate to Boys' State Convention and won the V.F.W. essay contest. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dairy science and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. After graduation in 1958 he entered the air force and was technical supply officer for the 5006th air transport squadron at Elmendorf AFB Alaska where he received the air force commendation medal. He was a member of the Lansing Emanuel First Lutheran Church, and active in Grand Ledge and District Jaycees. Over his lifetime he was a member of various athletic teams and was an avid supporter of MSU athletics, making numerous trips to MSU bowl games. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at their cottages and winters in Florida. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Loraine Maier Kelsey, and parents, Elbert S. and Viola L. (Larsen) Kelsey. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Barbara Noble Kowalk Kelsey; son, Daniel (Nicole) Kelsey of Spring Lake; daughter, Lynn M. Kelsey of East Lansing; 3 stepsons, Don Kowalk of Eaton Rapids, Steve (Cindy) Kowalk of Clarkston and David (Ingrid) Kowalk of Frederick, MD; stepdaughter, Diane (Dennis) Lunde of Carefree, AZ; 13 grandchildren; and sister, Carolyn (Robert) Harvey of Battle Creek. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 8, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. at the Emanuel First Lutheran Church, 1001 N. Capitol, Lansing, MI 48906, with Pastor Paul Lindloff officiating. Military Honors will follow at Delta Center Cemetery, Delta Twp., Eaton Co. The family will receive friends Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emanuel First Lutheran Church, Grand Ledge F.U.M.C., or the Eaton Community Hospice in memory of Forrest Kelsey. Online condolences may be made at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.