LaVern "Vern" J. Forthofer, Lifelong Resident of Avon

LaVern "Vern" J. Forthofer, 90, a lifelong resident of Avon, passed away on  Dec. 22, 2012 at St. John Medical Center.

Mr. Forthofer was born on  July 9, 1922. He was a graduate of Avon High School and served in the United States Army during WWII, participating in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, with the 324th Field Artillery Battalion as the chief radio operator. He also was involved in other battles throughout Central Europe until his honorable discharge on Dec. 7, 1945.

Mr. Forthofer worked as a carpenter and construction supervisor for various companies. He was the owner of LaVern Forthofer Builders and a life member of the Carpenters' Union Local #212. He built the family home 60 years ago where he and his wife Catherine raised their family and still call home today.

He was a life member of Avon, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Holy Name Society, as well as serving for a time as a chairman of the church's carnival. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus Fr. Regan Council #3269, the America Legion Post #211, Avon Lake, where he was the Post Commander in 1958 and the Avon VFW Post 1079. Vern was described by his family as a very good cook, and enjoyed cooking for his family. He was an avid reader enjoying popular fiction and enjoyed working word search puzzles.

Mr. Forthofer is survived by his wife of 65 years, Catherine C. (nee Meecha) whom he married August 16, 1947. Other survivors include seven children Karen Seadler (Alan) of Export, PA, Sandra Harto (Andy – dec.) of North Ridgeville, Marsha Somich (Alex) of Cooksburgh, PA, Greg (Mary Ellen) of Sheffield Lake, Jeffrey (Kim) of Southwest Harbor, ME, Gary (Becky) of Avon and Carolyn Forthofer of Avon. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Michael Somich (Anne), Matthew Somich (Sara), Robert Somich (Julie), Ryan Forthofer, Kari Knapp (Kenny Roberts), Amanda Seadler, Kyle Forthofer, Shannon Harto, Bradley Seadler, Rachel Forthofer, Jason Harto, Catie Forthofer, Emma Forthofer, Samantha Forthofer, Aaron Forthofer; 5 great grandchildren Jonathan Roberts, Maggie Somich, Grace Somich, Trenton Roberts, Isabella Forthofer; brother Richard (Loretta) of Sheffield and sister Anna Mae Gebelle of Huron. He is preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Sophie (nee Oster), sisters Dorothy Forthofer, Rosella Walker and Theresa Horwedel and brothers Ralph and Oliver.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd. Avon, on Wednesday, Dec. 26 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

A prayer service will be at the Funeral Home on Thursday at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Rd., Avon. at 10am. Fr. Gerard Gonda will officiate. Interment will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery. For more information or to send a condolence go to www.buschfuneral.com