George Allen Forsyth

George Allen Forsyth, 85 of Nevada, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Rolling Green Village in Nevada. George was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on February 22, 1940, to Leslie Allen and Dorothy Helen (Smith) Forsyth.
George's early years were spent in Des Moines, where he thrived within a close-knit family and community. Active in the YMCA, George developed a love for both physical activity and service, a dual commitment that would echo through his entire life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1958.
Shortly after high school, George answered the call to serve, enlisting in the Iowa Army National Guard. This experience shaped his sense of duty and responsibility, instilling in him the values of honor, discipline, and camaraderie.
Continuing his journey of learning, George attended Iowa State University, where he graduated in 1964 with a degree in Civil Engineering. While at ISU, he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, a brotherhood he shared with his son Greg. George's education led him naturally into a career with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), where his technical expertise and dedication improved the infrastructure that so many Iowans rely upon. His knack for solving problems and building solutions became a hallmark of his professional legacy.
On August 29, 1964, George married Ardith VerNell Nielsen at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and encouragement, raising two children, Eric and Greg, and guiding grandchildren with gentle wisdom and unwavering support.
A devoted member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, George's spiritual life was rich and active. He sang in the choir, lent his compassion as a Stephen Minister, and gave freely of his time to nurture and support his faith community. When George and Ardith wintered in Seminole, Florida from 2007 until 2019, they continued their tradition of faith and service by becoming active members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo, Florida. George's life was a tapestry woven with threads of belief, service, and song.
George's appreciation for the arts was evident in his involvement with the Nevada Fine Arts Association. Whether playing parts in cherished productions like "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Music Man," or "On Golden Pond," George brought a spirit of joy and creativity to the stage. His love for music was a constant-he sang with the Iowa State Men's Chorus and filled his home with melodies, serenading his children and grandchildren with affection and delight.
Beyond the walls of his home and church, George was a tireless advocate for his wider community. He volunteered at Reiman Gardens, dedicated his time and energy to the Nevada School Board, and mentored young people through YSS in Ames.
George cherished the outdoors, finding joy and adventure in every season. He skied with his family and friends across Colorado, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. An avid cyclist, he participated in RAGBRAI. He cycled RAGBRAI III with a small contingent of Iowans, was joined on RAGBRAII IV by his nieces, then on XIII by his sons, and XXIII with his daughter-in-law. And even when his cycling days were over, he provided ride support to Eric on RAGBRAIs XXXVII and XLVI. Fishing in Florida and the Boundary Waters brought peace and satisfaction; while geocaching and cross-stitching reflected his curiosity and knack for discovery. He enjoyed piloting single engine aircrafts and sharing the gift of flight.
An accomplished woodworker, George constructed cradles for his grandchildren. He embraced technology with enthusiasm, mastering punch card programming, early PC and Internet navigation, all the way to today's smart phones. He tackled any technical challenge with curiosity and ingenuity. George's hands were always at work-fixing, building, and improving.
George took delight in amateur astronomy, sharing the wonders of the night sky with his family and friends. He was an avid card player, always finding joy in the social interaction, win or lose. He relished watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletic competition, music performances, and 4-H and scouting activities. And George loved to cook, whether it was baking shortbread for his grandkids, preparing savory dishes with his gourmet club, and barbecuing of all sorts, where he was recognized with the People's choice award Prince of Peace's annual short rib competition.
George's life was distinguished by a great sense of humor, a zest for learning, and a profound appreciation for life in all its diversity. Those who knew him remember his ability to find joy in the everyday, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and his thoughtful perspective on the world. He was a true renaissance man-equally comfortable with art, science, nature, and technology-and he inspired others to pursue their passions with curiosity and courage.
George is survived by his loving wife, Ardith of Nevada; their children, Eric (Michelle) Forsyth of Marion, Iowa and Greg (Chris) Forsyth of Newton, Iowa; and their grandchildren, Emily Forsyth (fiancé Tim Schell), Anna Forsyth, Maxwell Forsyth and Kate Forsyth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Allen and Dorothy Helen (Smith) Forsyth, and his sisters, Barb Wichmann and Nancy Flanders.
A visitation honoring George's life will be 4-6 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Memorial Lutheran Church (701 11th Street) in Nevada with Pastor Kathleen Lotz officiating. Following the service, George will be laid to rest at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada.
Memorials may be made to the Memorial Lutheran Choir.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of George and his arrangements. Condolences may be shared online with the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.