Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Wallace R. Forman

About

Iowa State University

FUNERAL HOME

O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral and Cremation Services - St. Paul

575 South Snelling Avenue

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Wallace Forman Obituary

Forman, Wallace R. - 81 Years Young Passed Away June 9, 2005 From complications of heart disease and diabetes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie in 1997. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Keay (Chris); son, Jon (Karen) and six grandchildren; Peter, Sarah, John, Talia, Erik, and Jamie. Wally was born in Ames, Iowa on February 14, 1924. He attended Iowa State University and after serving in the US Army during World War II he earned a Masters' degree in Economics. He was a loyal employee of 3M Company, retiring from decades of service as Executive Director of Organization and Manpower Development. He also spent many years focused on managing an extraordinary collection of photos of aircraft, both commercial and military. He personally ran an online, worldwide service of helping military veterans and their descendants find photos of wartime planes and archiving photos of squadron groups and other military units mostly from World War II. After organizing photo records he put his energy into authoring two books, one about B-17s and one depicting hundreds of bomber plane nose art photos. He was an active member of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society and the Armchair Aviators. Wally served in the U.S. Army during World War II, teaching aircraft radio technology in Europe. He developed a love of the French countryside and the Italian Alps, and with his high school class of 1941 traveled to Europe several times in his later life to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn all he could of the history of the people and economy and especially the cathedrals in France, Italy and Belgium. Wally lived a life of selfless devotion to his wife and family. He was plagued by complications of long-term diabetes during his last few years, but stayed optimistic and practical in his outlook on life, despite his failing health. He enjoyed the encouragement and companionship of his special friend, Jean Wilkins, in his later years, and often traveled with her. Wally loved the peace and tranquility of his Roseville home, with its oak trees and quiet beauty. Our family would like to thank Dr. Ross Kimmerle of St. Paul HealthEast for his care over so many years, the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital, and the caregivers at Presbyterian Homes Roseville for their kindness and compassion. A memorial service will be held at THE ROSEVILLE MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 2245 N. Hamline Ave. 651-631-2727, 12PM on Saturday, June 18, 2005. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The American Diabetes Association. Please sign the on-line guest book at Legacy.com. Dad, we're proud of you, we miss you; you were a great father, a great and loving husband and a great man. Dad we love you!.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Jun. 12, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Forman

14 Entries

Jeanne E Ostnes

January 18, 2023

Hello,
If any of the family checks this wonderful obituary you wrote, please contact me. I have photos of nose art for many of the aircraft from my father's files. He was a B17 pilot during WWII.
[email protected]

Paul Moore

December 4, 2022

Thanks for doing the work with the nose art collection.

Kathy Berndt

June 20, 2005

Wally was my sister's father-in-law. Wally always had something interesting to say, he was a wealth of knowledge. Wally always had a smile to share and we enjoyed many holidays over the years with him. I'll always remember giving him sugar free candy for Christmas and that smile on his face. I'm glad to have known Wally and I am also glad he is at peace. He and Bonnie are watching over their family together again.

Jamie Forman

June 18, 2005

Wally was my grandpa so to me, he is known as Grandpa Wally! My dad, Jon Forman has worked so hard and has done many great things for my Grandpa and has worked non-stop to get his house in order. I remember one time when we went over to my Grandpa's house Christmas Eve when I was 3 years old.(now I am 11) We spent the night laughing away and opening different sized boxes and presents and all of a sudden, someone came around a corner in his house dressed as Santa. I'll never forget that year, to think that my Grandpa and dad cared enough to excite me and my brother(Erik, now 14). I will miss my grandpa, yet there is something great about death. Instead of living in pain and sorrow, they can live with God and be happy and healthy. I know that we will always have him in our hearts! I love you Grandpa!

Tom McCarthy

June 18, 2005

As a veteran of World War Two, I only met Wally via the Internet, but he was an invaluable source of information about the airplanes that we flew. He was always generous with his time and resources.

My sincere condolences to the family and may he rest in Peace.

Reuben Larson

June 17, 2005

Wally hired me in 1956 and I worked for him for more than half of my 38 years at 3M. He was always fair and supportive. You couldn't ask for a more ethical boss. I cherish the quidance he gave me and most of all his personal friendship. We met for lunch last spring (a year ago) and he brought me up to date on Nancy and Jon, as well as his appreciation for his companion Jean. I was so pleased that everything was going well with everyone in his family and especially pleased that Jean had come into his life.

Gerry and I were doubly gifted in knowing both Wally and Bonnie. We always admired Wally's loving care for Bonnie and knowing her we could see why he did. She always such a bright spirit.

Nancy and Jon we know you will miss your Dad. I look forward to seeing again in Heaven and I'm certain when I find him he'll be sitting with Saint Peter going over Heavenly organization charts.

All the best.

Reuben Larson

Gerry sends her best as well

marjorie gill

June 17, 2005

I started my career at 3M in '66 and for the next five years sat outside Wally's office. I have always greatly admired him. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, a truly great man and he will be missed.

Sonny & Donna Newman

June 15, 2005

Jon and Family,

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, he was a great man and lived his life to the fullest. Sonny always enjoyed visiting with him. Sonny said he always learned something new in their visits.

Warren Sweezy would like to extend his sympathy also.

Dan Anderson

June 15, 2005

I was saddened to hear of this great man's passing. I will always have such fond memories growing up with Jon and the positive things he gave to us. Even when Jon and I were, "standing tall before the man" for one of the numerous, creative ways we got ourselves into trouble, he was always fair and kind, and although he'd never admit it, I think he may have been impressed with our creativity at mischief making.

He impressed upon me the importance of family, being so dedicated to Mrs. Forman, Jon and Nancy. He was always supportive, so willing to share his wisdom with us, and helpful in all our crazy little endeavors.

Although it has been many years since I have seen him, he's never been far away; all I have to do is look into my heart.

I'm a better man for having you in my life, thanks Big Wally.

Dan

Chris Gregg

June 14, 2005

My condolences go to the Forman family. Wally was a super guy. I met Wally online about 8 years ago while searching for information about the aircraft that my grandfather flew in WWII. Wally was a tremendous help, and I watched him help countless people by sharing from his incredible photograph collection over the years. Though I knew Wally primarily as a fellow WWII aircraft enthusiast, it was clear that he had passion for everything he did and that he was very genuine guy. He will be dearly missed.

Ken Hornby

June 13, 2005

As the current president of the Twin City Aero Historians I wish to express our condolences on Wally's passing. He was a longtime member of our organization and his presence was missed these past several years. Wally amassed a wealth of information over the years and I recall only having to mention in passing that I was interested in a particular aircraft, and a few days later I would receive a package in the mail containing copies of everything Wally had in his files pertaining to it! Our club misses him and I personally will miss him too.

Theresa S.

June 13, 2005

I'm a volunteer who brings my dog to visit residents at Presbyterian Home of Roseville. I'll remember Wally as an warm, intelligent, very interesting person with a great sense of humor. I enjoyed talking with him about WWII planes, one of my interests also. I'm glad I had the chance to get to know him and will miss visiting with him.

kay grenz

June 13, 2005

Wally hired me into 3M in Org. and Manpower Devel. 36 years ago. I will always be grateful for his early tutoring of me and support for my development. He was very genuine, honorable, patient and conscientious--he taught me a lot about how to work in a business environment. I was a new college grad and he "showed me the way". And, his teachings have served me very well as I now lead 3M's global HR organization. I will never forget Wally and looked forward to seeing him each Dec. at the annual luncheon sponsored by the CEO. I missed him last Dec., and was wondering about him. He never indicated to me that he had health issues. He will be missed by many and his legacy he left at 3M will be long remembered. His understanding of the importance of talent development will live on.

Harvey Brown

June 12, 2005

Don and Family, I was shocked and very saddened to hear of Wally's demise. Wew became good friends thru his searching of pilots that flew in the 15th AF in WW2.althought we both woked at 3M about the same time I didn't get to know him until later. He was a great guy and I will miss chatting with him on line and in person.

God bless Wally and his family.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results