Robert Martin Forster, the son of Walter and Helen (Mo) Forster, was born on February 20, 1945, in Sleepy Eye, MN. He attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School in Sleepy Eye, MN. It was during his school days when he cultivated his strong work ethic that carried him through life. Bob worked many jobs growing up, including helping his dad (Wally) run the projectors at The Pix Theater, he worked at the Forster Bar owned by his grandpa and was a bus-boy at the Orchid Inn. After high school he attended Mankato State University for a short time before he entered the work force. He worked for Roman Weiss where he discovered his natural talent for carpentry, but it was at Beech Electric where he found his true passion: Electricity. He eventually became a Master Electrician. With dedication and skill, he started, ran and grew his own electrical business in Sleepy Eye, MN – Forster Electric. He successfully operated his business for many years before moving up north and working for a number of rural electric co-ops in their off-peak programs. After working for the co-ops, he once again started and operated his own electrical business – A1 Greater Minnesota Contracting Electric. There wasn’t a task too great or small that Bob couldn’t fix or build and he was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
He built a cabin on Lake Amelia near Glenwood, MN with his own two hands. It was at this cabin where many fun and fond memories were made with his family. Skiing, tubing, and fishing were among the many memories. With Bob there was always a lesson to be learned. If you were going fishing with him, you were going to learn to bait your own hook, take off your own fish, and you were definitely going to have a job when it came time to clean the fish!
Bob had many one-liners. One he instilled in his children was: “Work and then play.” It was very important to Bob to pass on his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren, instilling in them a sense of pride in a job well done. Mission accomplished!
When Bob would find a little free time in his busy schedule, fishing was at the top of the list. He enjoyed building his own fishing poles to catch the “Big One” with. He loved the outdoors, playing board games, having a cold one at the end of the day with always a story or two to tell. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing basketball and golf.
Bob was a member of Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and he was a dedicated and passionate firefighter for the Sleepy Eye Fire Department for many years.
Bob is survived by his children: Todd Forster of Grand Forks, ND, Jerry (Sue) Forster of Minnetrista, MN, Lisa Hoffmann of Sleepy Eye, MN, Sandi Sportelli (Jeff Zinniel) Hutchinson, MN, and Kristy (Mike) Suess of Sleepy Eye, MN; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings: John (Charlene) Forster, Beverly (Mike) Cleary, and Marian (Tom) Belle; nephews; and other loved ones and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother & father, Helen and Wally Forster.
Though his hands are now at rest, Bob leaves behind a legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, a love for the water and of the outdoors that will continue to inspire those he has left behind. His wisdom, storytelling and one-liners will be missed. Rest in peace Dad, you’ve more than earned it!
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.