Forest Uplinger

Forest Dale (Woody) Uplinger, age 89, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Saint Vincent Hospital after a brief illness.
He was born on September 29, 1931, to the late Carl and Elizabeth (Frazier) Uplinger and grew up in the Marienville area.
He married his loving wife Margaret (Rydzewski) Uplinger on October 25, 1952. They were married 63 years at the time of her passing. As a wedding present, Uncle Sam drafted him to serve in the Korean Conflict. During his Army service, he was awarded the Bronze Service Star, the National Defense Service Metal, and the United Nations Service Metal.
Forest worked as a carpenter for over 40 years, predominately employed with Henry J. Olivnik Contracting. He was a lifetime member of the Local 81 Carpenter's Union. He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club, and a lifelong member of the Gem City Outdoorsman Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time on the old family homestead, which he maintained up until his death. He enjoyed the casino and his anniversary trips to Vegas with his beloved wife, which they did together for 25 years.
Forest was preceded in death by his three brothers, Merle, Ralph and John, and his sisters, Marie and Sarah. Forest was preceded in death also by his Aunt Nora Irwin who raised him (after his mother's untimely death), and cousin Dorothy (Irwin) Wilson, whom he considered a sister.
Forest is survived by his sons, Dale, Steve (Darlene), Terry (Lori) and Daniel (Jennifer) Uplinger, all of Erie; nine grandchildren, Steven II (Jackie), Kyle (Meghan), Mike (Amy), Jeff (Katie), Ashley (Tim), Courtney, Jacob, Cillian, Madison. Six great grandchildren, Paige, Justin, Ryan, Riley, Thea, Liviana and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Friends may call on Friday at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm and are invited to a service there on Saturday at 9:15 am followed by the Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 am. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com
Entombment will be in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum.
He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. A special thanks to the Saint Vincent's Care team for the compassion and comfort in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his home church, Greenwood United Methodist Church, PO Box 337: Marienville Pa 16239.