Richard “Dick” Glenn Forshier Sr., 95, of Hoopeston, passed away at 9:10 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2022, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.
Dick was born on June 4, 1927, in Hoopeston, Illinois, the son of James and Myra (Gunn) Forshier. He married Elsie Mae Daniel on June 7, 1948, at St. Victors Catholic Church, in Victor, Colorado. She preceded him in death on October 17, 2014.
He is survived by two sons- David Forshier of Champaign, Illinois and Mike Forshier of Hoopeston, Illinois; four grandchildren- Anthony Forshier, Chris Forshier, Mark Jones, and Rob Jones; two great-grandchildren- Alex and Lea Forshier; one sister- Mary Orazon of Pueblo, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one daughter- Barbara Jones, three sons- Arthur Forshier, Robert Forshier and Richard Forshier Jr., two brothers- Jim and Tom Forshier and one sister- Jean Hayden.
Dick graduated from Hoopeston High School, in 1945. Following high school, he served in the United States Navy. He later graduated from Northern Colorado University, with his bachelor’s degree in education. During his time there he was a state diving champion and played football, basketball, and track. Dick taught Jr. High math, science, and physical education for 34 years, in Green River, Wyoming, Hoxie, Kansas, Stockland, Illinois and he spent most of his time teaching in Hoopeston, until his retirement in 1982. He also coached football, basketball, track, and swimming during his time at Hoopeston. During the summers Dick, ran the McFerren Park Swimming Pool and taught swimming to kids for many years. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Dick enjoyed woodworking, woodburning, fishing, camping, swimming, family vacations to Colorado and watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout the years.
A Celebration of Mr. Forshier’s Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 30, 2022, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Floral Hill Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Richard’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
