George R. Forst, Jr.

George R. Forst, Jr., age 96, of Tecumseh, KS, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Topeka.

He was born the son of George R. Forst, Sr., and Lenora M. (Manges) Forst in rural Marshall County, KS on July 31, 1929. Growing up on the farm, George’s love of the land and the adventures of a young boy shaped his life with hard work, dedication and determination. The Forst family made the best of time during the Great Depression. George attended school in Frankfort, KS and graduated from Frankfort High School. After graduation, George felt the call to serve in his country in the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

After his honorable discharge, George returned home and married his beloved sweetheart, Lou Ann Latta and they married on January 12, 1957, in Blaine, KS. The newlyweds made Topeka their home and started a family. With a house filled with kids and love, George relished the time taking his sons fishing, coaching his daughter’s softball team, and going on hunting trips. With his military time served and his career as a Postal Clerk in the postal service, George retired after 32 years. Retiring at a younger age, George was able to relax and spend time with Lou Ann. They enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with family. As avid campers, George and Lou Ann spent many nights camping near Bigelow, KS, now the site of Tuttle Creek Reservoir. The large group of campers known as, “Cow Pasture Campers” shared friendship, stories, and laughter. Along with camping in Kansas, the couple traveled across the United States and a special trip involved traveling to Alaska for six weeks to explore the great outdoors. With his CB in hand and his handle name, “Green Trees,” George made connections with each travel. Sadly, after 36 years of marriage, Lou Ann passed away on February 16, 1993. With the love of the farm, always calling George’s name he assisted with farm operations along with his brothers for many years. George married Marguerite I. (Shineman) Schlink. In his later years, he loved trips to the casino, sometimes staying a little too late but enjoying every moment.

Proud of his Catholic faith, George was a founding member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. He was a lifetime Knights of Columbus and 4th Degree member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Blaine, KS.

Survivors include a son, Ken (Julie) Forst; daughter, Karen Wright; son, Tim (Marla) Forst; daughter, Dee (Robert) Koenke; ten grandchildren, Doug Layne, Christine Babcock, Adam Loeffler, Katie Werner, Annie Lubbers, Kevin Forst, Shannon Forst, Jeny Garst, Andee Garst, Shelly Garst; and six great-grandchildren, Cayden Lindsey, Cannon Lavan, Logan Babcock, Gareth Babcock, Parker Werner, and A.J. Loeffler. George is also survived by his brother, Ted Forst.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lou Ann; second wife, Marguerite; daughter, Jan Forst; brothers, David Forst, Jim Forst, and infant brother, Gilbert Forst.

Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M., followed by a rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M., on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M., on Tuesday, May 19, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Ave., Topeka, KS 66605 with military honors being held after the Mass.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 A.M., on Wednesday, May 20, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Frankfort, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made in George's memory to St. Matthew Catholic Church in care of the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.