Henry E. Forss, age 77, of 3416 Pinewood Drive, Sheboygan, Wis., died Oct. 21, 2009, at his home after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past September, surrounded by his loving family.

Hank was born Dec. 24, 1931, in Fitchburg, Mass., to Ernest and Sylvia Forss. He graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1949, and Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. He earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Management with honors from the Milwaukee School Of Engineering in 1970, and a Master's Degree in Vocational Education from the University Of Wisconsin-Stout in 1984.

Hank served in the United States Naval Reserves from 1950 to 1958.

On Dec. 20, 1958, Hank was united in marriage to Claudette J. Rudin of Dalton, Mass. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 20, 2008.

Hank was on the faculty of Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) from 1974 to 1994 where he taught Materials Management, Industrial Engineering and Supervisory Management. He was instrumental in implementing the weekend programs at LTC. He did much work throughout the state of Wisconsin on the "Transformation of American Industry-Dr. Deming Approach" through LTC. Hank also served as an adjunct faculty member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was previously employed by Applied Industries/Dynex Rivett in Pewaukee, Wis., and General Electric in Fitchburg, Mass.

He was involved with several professional organizations including: A.P.I.C.S., S.A.V.E., N.A.P.M., Sheboygan Traffic Club, Delta Nu Alpha, as well as People to People, Maywood Environmental Park and the Masonic Lodge in Fitchburg, Mass.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC where he had taught Sunday school and served on several boards.

Following his retirement in 1994, Hank did consulting work and enjoyed traveling with his wife — his favorite trip was to Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark with People To People in 2005. He enjoyed reading and watching westerns with his cocker spaniel, Quincy. He also enjoyed college sports, pro football and his beloved Boston Red Sox. He was an avid tennis player.

In addition to his wife Claudette, he is survived by his son Mark and daughter-in-law Janice and their children Abigail, of Kiel; Jason Baumann of Sheboygan Falls; Kim (Todd) Havlinek and their children, Nicholas, Allison, and Anthony of Plymouth; son Steven of Boston, Mass.; son Brian and daughter-in-law Paula and their children Autumn and Brian Henry of Edgerton, Wis.; daughter Judith of Sheboygan; and daughter Jennifer of Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by his sister, Edith Maki of Fitchburg, Mass.; brother-in-law, David Parry of Brookfield; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Holcomb of Dalton, Mass. He is further survived by nieces, a nephew, and "special relatives" including "brother" Mike Grimes of Marshall, Wis.; "sons" Doug "Edsel Ford" Lindsey of Cato, and H.D. Knight of Sheboygan; and "daughters" Mary Joan Brilla of Madison; Ali Issel of Lake Forrest, Ill.; and Martha Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorthy Parry, Brookfield; and brother-in-law, Frederick Holcomb, Dalton, Mass.

A celebration of his life will be held at First Congregational Church UCC on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. followed by Masonic Rites and a Celebration Service conducted by the Reverend James H. Hollister, senior minister. Entombment will take place at Gardens of Peace Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name. (Forss Family, 3416 Pinewood Drive, Sheboygan, WI 53083; (920) 457-3160; forss@verizon .net)

Hank requested that no one wear black to his service — colorful attire is appreciated.

Hank's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at the Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center; the Sharon Richardson Hospice home team; and his family and friends who gave unconditional love and support during this "hurricane event".

e-mail condolences to sup port@ballhornchapels.com

Herald Times Reporter

Oct. 23, 2009