Joseph Forte
RONAN — Joseph (Jody) Edward Forte of Ronan peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at his home.
Born in Polson on Feb. 18, 1934, to Joseph Benedict and Margaret Dempsey Forte, Joe, or “Jody,” as his friends and family called him, grew up in Ronan. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1952. He attended Carroll College and graduated in 1956 with a degree in biology/chemistry and a minor in English. His childhood in Ronan was filled with days of hunting, fishing, getting into mischief with his pals, and enjoying the beauty that surrounds this land.
In 1957 Joe joined the army and was stationed at the Dugaway Proving Ground in Utah. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to Ronan, where he met his future wife, Harriet Jeanne Shanklin (Rolfe). They were married on Aug. 13, 1959. An instant family was formed, as Harriet came with four children, Keath, Richard, Suzan and Sandi. The couple lived in Ronan until moving to Seattle in 1960, where their daughter Therese (Tess) was born in 1961.
Joe worked at Boeing from 1960 to 1970. He worked evenings and attended the University of Washington by day to get a degree in pharmacology in 1970. Dad was especially happy he became a born-again Christian in 1977.
He worked for Thrifty Drug, Ray’s Rexall and Bartell’s in Seattle until 1999. He was president of the West Seattle Pharmacists’ Association in 1975. He continued to work, even part time, (later in life at Mission Drug), and retired finally in 2014.
Joe was a bit of a renaissance man with a wide range of interests. He was a Black Belt in and taught judo at the local YMCA. He could play the sousa-phone, guitar and piano — and a mean washboard. He wrote short stories and poetry. He loved riding his motorcycle and even built a kayak in the gar-age. Joe loved listening to music, especially jazz, blues, swing and gospel, and could belt out a pretty good version of “Bill Bailey” when prompted. His concern and love for others was evident in his many charitable works, whether it was stepping in to preach at church or to bring a hot meal to a sick friend. And oh, how he loved his family, friends, and church. His commitment to them was evident in everything he did.
In 1994, Jeanne passed away suddenly and in 1999 Joe decided to return to his roots in Montana. While in Ronan he reconnected with Marilyn Tougas of Polson and they were married on July 29, 2000. Marilyn came with five grown children from a previous marriage. They made their home in Ronan until his death this past week. “You Light Up My Life” was sung at their wedding, as Marilyn brought love and light back into dad’s life, and one of his last acts was to make sure her Valentine’s Day card from him was ready for her on Feb. 14. It was.
In his later years Joe spent time researching his native heritage. He was proud to be a member of the Sioux Standing Rock Tribe, and to have roots in the Shoshone Nation. He passed down stories of his ancestors so his family would have those memories to cherish.
A loving father, son, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Joe was blessed with an extensive family and network of friends whom he deeply cared for and loved.
Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of Ronan; his daughters, Suzan (Russ), Sandi, and Tess (Carl); and his son, Keath (Connie). He is pre-deceased by his son, Richard. Joe loved his step-children, Joe (Ginger), Jeff (Christie) Russ (Debbie),Twila (Bryan) and Susan (Peter) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Whether it was a loved one, a stranger or a lifelong friend, Joe was beloved by everyone he met. His faith in God and compassion towards others guided him in life and gives us comfort in his passing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mission Valley Senior Center or Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. at the Pablo Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at: shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home in Ronan.
