RICHARD FORGE

RICHARD FORGE Richard Joseph Forge, affectionately known as Dick, was born on July 30, 1936, in Leavenworth, Kan., to Henry Joseph Forge and Gertrude Lee Forge. He received his early education at St. Joseph Grade School and graduated from Immaculata High School in 1954. Dick continued his academic journey at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., and later earned his Master's in Social Work (MSW) from University of Kansas. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Kathy Fahlstrom. Throughout his career, Dick made significant contributions as a hospital social worker at the VA in Leavenworth, after working with Children's Services and Mental Health Clinics in Kansas City and Warrensburg, Mo. He dedicated himself to this vocation until his retirement in 2010. Dick's life was characterized by his unwavering commitment to volunteerism. Upon returning to Leavenworth with his family in 1975, he became actively involved in parish councils, school boards, local civic organizations, and coaching his daughters' basketball teams. After retiring at the age of 74, he continued his life's work as a child advocate for CASA and served at Community of Hope Interfaith Shelter, where he cherished the relationships he built. His compassion, kindness, and humility touched many lives in countless ways. He made friends wherever he went and never knew a stranger. He enjoyed raising grapes, making wine, and tending to his cows. His grandchildren have many cherished memories of the farm. Dick was preceded in death by his beloved siblings, Maureen, Lee and Winnie; his nephew, Joe Forge; his son, Ricky, who passed away in 1973; and his cherished wife, Kathy, who passed in 2020. He is survived by his four daughters: Karen Wolken (Chuck) of Leavenworth; Beth Ward (Ken) of Lawrence, Kan.; Colleen Cernich (Joe) of Parkville, Mo.; and Diane Bauersfeld (Reid) of Loveland, Colo.; along with eight adoring grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bernadette Forge of Topeka and his sister-in-law, Donna Forge of Kansas City, Mo. The Forge family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dad's caregiver, Katie Simanowitz, for her dedicated support during his time at Twin Oaks. We are also thankful for the tenderhearted care he received at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home in Liberty, Mo. Luminos Hospice provided empathetic and nurturing end-of-life care during the last six months of his life. Dick's warmth, good humor, colorful stories, and ability to make friends wherever he went will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Dick's funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, September 19 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church located at 1405 2nd Avenue in Leavenworth. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Additionally, the family received visitors on Friday morning from 9 to 10 a.m., with the Rosary starting at 10:15 a.m. Inurnment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Leavenworth. Memorials may be made to CASA or Community of Hope Interfaith Shelter. Cremation Care and Services are provided by Barnett Family Funeral Home of Oskaloosa, Kan. barnettfamilyfh.com.