Kelly Forck

Kelly Ray Forck, 54, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2026 at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City Missouri on December 20, 1971 a son of Michael "PeeWee" and Mary Jane (Amend) Forck. He was married to Teri Deffenbaugh on June 25, 2005, in Jefferson City, MO.

He was a 1990 graduate of Blair Oaks High School. Kelly joined the Jefferson City Fire Department on March 17, 1997, and faithfully served for 28+ years until his retirement on June 24, 2025, as Captain of Ladder 3. Over the course of his career, he began as a firefighter, advanced to driver/operator (engineer), and was later promoted to Captain. He earned numerous certifications and served as a Special Inspector for the department until his retirement. He found great reward in helping citizens of the City of Jefferson, whether you were stranded on the side of the road and needed a tire replaced or a ride somewhere.

Kelly was a hardworking man who dedicated his life to the family farm. He was actively involved in his community in numerous capacities. He was past President of the Missouri Soybean Association, served on the Missouri Soybean Board, the Mid-America Biofuel Board, and he served on the Board of Directors as the Chair and Vice Chair for the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority. He also supported youth and community organizations including 4-H, FFA, the Jefferson City Fairboard, and the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed the annual float trip with Keaton and Kingston with their Boy Scout troop. In addition, he was a member of the ALOT Class XII, Taos Knights of Columbus, and St. Andrew's Catholic Church.

After retiring, Kelly could often be found working on the family farm, a place that brought him great peace and satisfaction. He was always found working on equipment and finding a better way to improve the yield of his crops. He loved traveling with his wife, whether alongside family, friends, or even business associates, always enjoying the journey as much as the destination. His greatest joy, however, was "kidnapping" his grandson and taking him on adventures around town and across the farm; creating memories that will be cherished forever.

Kelly never met a stranger. If he saw you in the grocery store, the feed store, or on the sidewalk, he considered it his duty to find your life story, whether you were ready or not. A phone call from him was never just a phone call; it was an adventure. Just when you thought it might end, he'd somehow keep talking…. Until inevitably, he wrapped it up with his signature line: "Love you, Bye!".

Kelly is survived by his wife of 20 years: Teri Deffenbaugh; his children: Victoria (Brandon) Franz, VanKeaton Forck, (fiancée Sophie Johnson) and VonKingston Forck; and his beloved grandson, Cooper Franz. He is also survived by his mother: Mary Jane Forck; his brother: Keith (Sonya) Forck; and his twin sister: Kim (Don) Barbour; his mother-in-law, Nola Deffenbaugh; and his siblings-in-law: Rodney (Kendra) Deffenbaugh, Tamera Deffenbaugh, and Ritchie (Amy) Deffenbaugh. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his father: Michael "PeeWee" Forck, and his father-in-law: Jerry Deffenbaugh.

Friends and family will be received from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 31, 2026 with a rosary at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at the St. Andrews Catholic Church with Rev. Chris Cordes, officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Kelly always said he didn't need more stuff lying around the house, so in lieu of flowers, small remembrance such as a memorial stone, windchimes, etc., please consider donating to SafetyNet of Missouri, the Jefferson City FireFighters Local 671 Community Service Fund (FF671), or to Helias Catholic High School Scholarship Fund in memory of Kelly Forck (Recipient will be a senior that is graduating and entering the agriculture industry).

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com