JESSIE C. FORQUER
JESSIE C. FORQUER
Jesse C. Forquer, age 89, of Wyaconda, MO, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Jesse was born June 21, 1930, near Williamstown, MO, the son of Walter Clarence and Elizabeth Jane Austin Forquer.
He was united in marriage to Wilma M. Ash on January 24, 1951 at the Cedar Grove Baptist Church south of Kahoka.
She preceded him in death on September 12, 2019.
Survivors include a daughter, Christy Forquer of Olathe, KS; son, Jeffrey (Brenda) Forquer of Williamstown; two grandchildren: Bradley and Kelsey Forquer both of Williamstown; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jewel Ash of Wyaconda, Earlene Ash of Highland, IL, Hazel Crowe of Kahoka, Zelda (Rockie) Sturm of Kahoka and Doreen (Bill) Bergman also of Kahoka; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and siblings: Eugene (Lucille) Forquer, Leo (Mickey) Forquer, Wanneva (Ray) Carlin, Fern (Estelle) Terry, Ellie (Alvin) Murphy, Ester (Lorentz) Lorentzen and Bea (Jack) Smith; and in-laws, Alva Ash, Jr., Wendell Ash, Darrell Ash, and Dorothy (Joe) Leffler.
Jesse was born outside of Williamstown in an area called Cooneyville and attended Crackerneck (Pleasant Hill) School through junior high.
Shortly after his marriage to Wilma, at the age of 20, he served in the army during the Korean war from 1951 through 1953.
Jesse was a hard worker all of his life and was born to be a farmer.
In order to provide for his family he worked long hours at Foote Mineral in Keokuk, IA and spent his off time farming.
At the age of 40 he received his GED and was promoted to Foreman.
After 33 years at Foote Mineral, he retired to full time farming.
He was also a master at fixing anything and everything; whether needing a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber, or a carpenter, Jesse could figure it out.
He was a faithful member, former Sunday School teacher, and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Kahoka..
He loved being on his farm, working with his cows, gardening, cutting and splitting wood for his wood stove, and looked forward to hay season every year.
Nothing brought him more joy than to have his entire family working the farm with him.
He also loved hunting, camping and fishing, especially trout fishing at Bennett Springs with Wilma.
If he had to be indoors, it probably meant a Cardinals game was on TV.
He also enjoyed jigsaw and word puzzles, was a competitive card player, and loved watching Westerns.
He and Wilma were always familiar figures at any of their children’s and grandchildren’s events and their biggest cheerleaders.
Jesse was a strong, quiet man who lived his faith through everything he did.
From the beginning of his courtship and marriage, he became committed to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to his Church.
Wilma was instrumental in bringing him closer to his faith.
Funeral services and military rites were held Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka with Pastor Chris Lind officiating. Eulogist was Christy Forquer and scripture was read by Daniel Hodges.
Courtney Otte was pianist.
Special music “Because He Lives” was provided by David Otte. Congregational hymns were “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace”.
Honorary pallbearers were Brent McKinney, David Hyde, Tim Otte and Harold Trump.
Pallbearers were Matt Gutting, Stan Elwell, Jacob Brookhart, Tannan Otte, Daniel Hodges, Mark Lemmon, Loyd Finke and Karl Hamner.
Visitation was held at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka after 9 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2020 with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Kahoka.
In lieu of flowers, family requests stepping stones.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Army, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Jesse Carlyle Forquer served our country for two years in the United States Army during the Korean War.
He served in a heavy mortar platoon with M Company, 38th Infantry, 2nd Division for seven months and thirteen days in Korea.
He attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC) (E-3).
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following decorations:
United Nations Service Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Additionally, the Missouri Veterans’ Recognition Program awarded him the Missouri Korean War Medal.
He was inducted 2 February 1951, received an honorable discharge 31 January 1953 at Camp Carson, Colorado and returned to Durham, Missouri.
He then served in the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps (ERC) 1 February 1953 and received an honorable 16 October 1956.
The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 19 May 2020.
At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.
