Alan Ambrose Forthofer, 84, died Friday, March 21, 2014 in Florida. Born May 28, 1929 to Elmer and Lucille Dechant Forthofer. Alan lived most of his life in Ohio where he was a farmer. Alan moved to Durham in 1984 where he worked many years as a heavy equipment mechanic for Dennis Equipment and at Duke Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, two sisters and a grandson.
Surviving are: six sons, Peter Barbara of Fayetteville, Guy of OH, Glenn Lizz of IL, Rocky Monica of AZ, Bruce Madonna of MO, Fred Kim of Clayton; eight daughters, Joyce Robert Fagin of OH, Julie David Diehl of OH, Joan Tim Wren of AZ, Karen Michael Denchik of OH, Mary Glen Tomes of OH, Lenore Bridges of Durham, Carla John Sattler of IL, Rita Frank Baratta of FL, two brothers, Carl Lucia of FL and David of SC; a sister, Eileen Edwin Beriswell of FL; 34 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family will be present 6-8 pm Thursday at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main St., Durham. Alan’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 pm Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 Mason Rd., Durham. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Eternal Word Television Network ewtn.com. Online condolences at www.hallwynne.com. See Obituaries.
Zack Davis
March 24, 2014 at 12:00 amMay God’s comfort be upon the family and friends.
Scott Thompson
March 25, 2014 at 12:00 amKeeping your family in our prayers during this difficult time.
Corinne & Dick Schilens
March 25, 2014 at 12:00 amYou leave such a legacy, Alan. One of gentleness, hard work, impeccable work ethic, honesty. and integrity. But most of all, the value you attached to God, marriage, and family. Your children are a witness to that and your values live on through them. I know you will be looking on them with pride and love as they gather together on your behalf in the next few days. R.I.P. dear brother-in-law.
Ricky Horne
March 25, 2014 at 12:00 amPlease accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Wanda
March 25, 2014 at 12:00 amLosing a loved one in death can be emotionally difficult to endure. Know that your tears do not go unnoticed by our Creator, because he cares for you. – 1 Pet. 5:7. Also, he can help heal your broken hearts. – Ps. 147:3.
Sylvia Surcy
March 25, 2014 at 12:00 amYour family is our thoughts during this time.
Diane Peterson
March 26, 2014 at 12:00 amMy condolences on the death of your father. Nay you find peace in the knowledge that he is in heaven now with our Lord and Saviour.
Rick Washington
March 26, 2014 at 12:00 amMy deepest sympathies go out to you during this time. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family
The Sattler Family
March 27, 2014 at 12:00 amOur love and prayers are with Alan’s entire family. May God’s love comfort you and keep you safe in your travels.
Jeanine Wheless
March 27, 2014 at 12:00 amKim, Fred, and boys,
The thoughts and prayers of all your friends at WebbWrites are with you.
Sharon Pointer
March 28, 2014 at 12:00 amLenore, My prayers are with you and your family.
Greg Clark
March 28, 2014 at 12:00 amOur prayers are with your family.
Sorry I was not able to make the service last night.
Judy Thorpe
April 4, 2014 at 12:00 amNothing can completely eliminate the pain & sorrow experienced when a loved one dies. The resurrection hope, however, tempers the mourning & makes the pain far easier to bear. John 5: 28. 29. What a wonderful gift we have been given, to have the hope of seeing our loved ones again.