Date of Birth
October 8, 1935
Date of Death
September 20, 2023
On September 20, 2023, Darel “Joe” Forest, 87, of Elburn, Illinois, formerly of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia Forest at his side.
Joe was born on October 8th, 1935 in Melrose Park, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from ’58-’60 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Joe worked as a Lithographer at Sleepeck Printing in Bellwood Illinois for over 30 years.
He was predeceased by; his parents, Darel Sr. and Mella Forest; his sister Geraldine Fanella; and his brother William Forest.
He is survived by his spouse Patricia Forest; his children DeAnn Forest, Kurt Forest, Kevin Forest, and Todd Forest; his daughter-in laws Kerri Forest and Bre Forest; his sibling Ella Mae Thomas; his sister-in-law Beverly Forest; and his grandchildren Shannon Ward, Kyle Forest, Kelli Forest, and Olivia Forest. Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 7, at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JourneyCare Hospice at journeycare.org, or St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd. Elburn, IL. Tributes and memories can be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or at www.conleycare.com.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A memorial Mass will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 7, at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JourneyCare Hospice at journeycare.org, or St. Gall Catholic Church, 43W885 Hughes Rd. Elburn, IL. Tributes and memories can be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page or at www.conleycare.com.
A “Hero” is defined as a person who is endowed with great courage and strength, noted for their sacrifices, and celebrated for their great exploits and accomplishments. I believe that too often people are called “Hero’s” when, by definition, they are not.
I define a “Hero” as a person who has raised a family and has done so in an upstanding way. Always lending a strong hand when it is needed but can also give a gentle touch. A person who is respected by friends and family.
Our father is this person, he is looked up to by his children and grandchildren and has inspired us all to be better people. I have admired him all through life and will continue to admire him with his passing. I aspire to live a life like his and can only hope that I can fill his shoes.
Dad, you will be missed by all that you have touched in your life. YOU ARE OUR HERO!
Love, Your Family and Friends
We will miss Mr. Green Door. Joe was a calm person, at least he was the calm force in the bowling/ golf/ eating group.
We enjoyed our time with Pat and Joe in Florida.
Joe you will always be in our hearts,
Love Byron and Janet
The last 12 weeks have not been the easiest for me as I entered into a journey with my Father and family that would end in a much different way then any of us would of thought in are darkest moments. As we transcend this time and obstacles that came upon my dad he seemed to master them with elegance and determination, he fought like the warrior he always was. With that said and with a broken heart 💔 we say goodbye to my first mentor, first teacher of many things, wood working, small engines, car repairs and the list goes on. He taught me right, he held me accountable for my wrongs, he made sure I understood my mistakes and ensured I made right on my wrongs. My Father has been an extremely large part of carving who I have been the last 56 years of my existence. The last 12 weeks he’s taught the last lesson in his journey and that is compassion and more so these last few days, I have come to truly understand the true meaning of the word compassion. I Love You Dad and Miss You very very much. You are now pain free and at peace, Rest easy in Calm Seas and Steady Winds Dad💔 you will always hold a large special place in my broken heart 💔💔
Joe was such a sweet, caring man! He was always there for me and helping out. He loved working on a project or working in the yard. He always enjoyed playing with the grandchildren and our fur babies. He made the best chocolate chip cookies and luckily passed it on to Kurt. I will miss him dearly!!
I only knew him for a short time but he was very sweet. It was a true pleasure to be able to care for him. He has a wonderful loving family. He will be miss & he is in heaven with no more pain or sickness. RIP Mr. Forest
Tanya Paskadi
Care manager
Right at Home
Goodbye Uncle Joe, enjoy your peace and rest as you join the chorus of angles. You will be missed.
DAD
The last 12 weeks have not been the easiest for me as I entered into a journey with my Father and family that would end in a much different way then any of us would of thought in are darkest moments. As we transcend this time and obstacles that came upon my dad he seemed to master them with elegance and determination, he fought like the warrior he always was. With that said and with a broken heart 💔 we say goodbye to my first mentor, first teacher of many things, wood working, small engines, car repairs and the list goes on. He taught me right, he held me accountable for my wrongs, he made sure I understood my mistakes and ensured I made right on my wrongs. My Father has been an extremely large part of carving who I have been the last 56 years of my existence. The last 12 weeks he’s taught the last lesson in his journey and that is compassion and more so these last few days, I have come to truly understand the true meaning of the word compassion. I Love You Dad and Miss You very very much. You are now pain free and at peace, Rest easy in Calm Seas and Steady Winds Dad💔 you will always hold a large special place in my broken heart 💔💔
Love your Son Kevin
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Joe. He was such a positive influence on me growing up and I will cherish my memories of the times we shared. I have tried to keep every garage I’ve ever had as neat and organized as Uncle Joe’s. I think of him and smile every time I stare at the tools hanging on my pegboard (not joking). I’m not sure I ever told him that. I will miss you Uncle Joe. You are gone but not forgotten. My heart goes out to the Forest Clan during this difficult time.
Dear Loving Dad,
This is your daughter De Ann,
Thank you for being a wonderful father and providing us with your love, care, support, discipline, encouragement and the list goes on. You have taught me so much. One lesson comes to mind of when working on the car and you asked me to get you a phillips screwdriver. So I go to the workbench and I am looking and looking and looking for way too long and bring you the wrong tool. Instead of getting too mad, you take me back to the workbench and showed me where it was and what it looked like. I believe we had many of those moments. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for always being there for whatever I needed in good times and bad. I will always cherish the comfort, wisdom and love you provided me and Shannon. You had a hard full life. You will be missed and are truly loved by all. Until we meet again. Rest in Peace. I love you dearly. Tons of Love, your Daughter.