Gary Edwin Forsee, 79, of Coffeen, died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, with his family by his side.
Last rites were accorded by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in Hillsboro. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Born in East St. Louis in 1947, to Edwin M. and Dorothy M. (Huskamp) Forsee, Mr. Forsee grew up in Freeburg and graduated from high school there. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1965, serving from 1965 to 1969, in both California and Vietnam. He received two commendations, one from South Vietnam and one for saving a critical mission in the war, which was directing F-18’s in backing U.S. ground forces.
He and the former Diane Rodowicz were married at Cordova Lutheran Church in Sacramento in 1967. They then renewed their vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Belleville in 1969, when she became Catholic. They raised four wonderful children, and Mr. Forsee was so very proud of them.
Mr. Forsee was a lifelong farmer, starting in high school by working for local farmers. His grandmother bought his tractor to help him along. He loved raising cattle, especially Polled Herefords and red Angus. Along the way, he worked with Terminal Railroad as a third generation employee with his dad and grandfather. He also retired from Anthony Supply in Greenville and worked with Bank of America in St. Louis.
His faith was very important to him in his life. He fought many cancers and other diseases from Agent Orange; he faced death many times and was carried through it all by his Savior. He was mostly in awe and very humbled by it. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Hillsboro.
Mr. Forsee is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diane; children, Kimberly (Ken) Richter, Jennifer (Peter) Golden, Gary (Natalie) Forsee Jr. and Michelle (Michael) Dankoski; grandchildren, which include the Richters — Megan, Kyle, Natasha, Andre and Hannah; the Goldens — Olivia and Liam; the Forsees — Cooper and Grady; his aunt, Alice Huskamp; and his cousins, RoseAnn, MaryAnn, Phyllis, Timmy and Tommy Gudinas.
Preceding his death, in addition to his parents, were Keith Huskamp, Sonny Huskamp, Shirley Gudinas, Ronald Werner, his lifelong friend of over 70 years; and a child lost in 1977.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery, c/o Angie Mizera, 216 E. Tremont St., Hillsboro, IL 62049.
Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of private funeral arrangements.
