Joseph R Forst

Joseph R. Forst, age 84 years of Lake Geneva, WI. Passed to eternal life on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Evansville Manor. Joe was born on March 24, 1942 in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph A. and Dorothy (nee Schodrof) Forst. He married the late Jean Roberts on October 28, 1972, in Chicago, Il and she preceded him in death on January 12, 2014.

Joseph “Joe” Forst, a lifelong Chicagoan of profound faith and integrity, passed away peacefully. Born in Mount Greenwood, Joe initially served the Catholic Church as an ordained priest before marrying his beloved late wife, Jean. Together, they raised their children, John and Jamie, as highly active members of the St. Barnabas parish in Beverly. Joe proudly dedicated over 30 years to civil rights work for the Federal Government. A loyal and present husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, Joe lived with immense honor and dignity. He passionately loved the White Sox, trains, Christmas, and spending summers in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. His family finds deep comfort knowing he is reunited in Heaven with the Lord, Jean, and his parents. His legacy of love and service lives on in his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his children John (Colleen) Forst and James (Allison) Forst, grandchildren Vivian, Harrison, Ashley and Emily, great grandchildren Sophia, Adalyn, Beckett, Hudson and Bailey, siblings Sister Mary Therese Forst and Michael (Patty) Forst. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 9-11am at St. Barnabas Catholic Church (10134 South Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL) with Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Fr. Gene Dyer presiding. Joe wished to donate his body to Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food pantry in honor of Joe. Lazarczyk Family Funeral Home of Lake Geneva, WI is proudly serving the family.