Alfred S. Forsling, 82, of Hay Springs and formerly of Kimball, died at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Cantrell Funeral Home with Pastor Caryl Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. The obituary can be viewed on line at http://www.cantrellfh.com and friends can leave memories and condolences for the family. Memorials have been established to either the First English Lutheran Church in Kimball or Pioneer Manor Nursing Home at 318 N. 3rd Street, Hay Springs, NE., 69347. The services for Alfred have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Alfred Sterre Forsling was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on April 13, 1934, the son of Elmer and Lucy (Vander Sterre) Forsling. Al spent his first 10 years living in Casper, Wyoming before his father moved the family to the Forsling homestead in Kimball. While in high school, Al transferred to the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico where upon his graduation he enrolled in the University of Wyoming, studying Agriculture and engineering. In 1954 Al enlisted in the US Army serving in Germany as an ambulance driver for military families. In 1957, Al enlisted in the US Air Force, where for a second time, he was stationed in Germany, assigned to missile guidance and communications. It was in Lauda, Germany, that Al met his future wife, Renate Olga Schmidt. Upon being discharged and returning home, Al and Renate were married on December 20, 1960, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Al and Renate began their new life together on the family ranch, joining his father in the farming and livestock business. It was on the Buck Bush Ranch that they raised their three daughters. Al is remembered by his family for his sharp wit, strong character, loyalty to family, community and friends and for his strong moral compass. Although known to be a man of few words, his actions set the example that his family continues to follow.
Survivors include his daughters Ingrid Forsling of White, SD., Andrea Scales and partner Chasity Pettit of Denver, CO., and Anita (Jeff) Brewer of Gordon, NE; sister Phyllis Forsling Miller of Mill Valley, CA; grandson Andrew (Anna) Loy, step grandchildren Jackie, Steven, Timithy and Robert; great grandchildren Mason and Carter Loy. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.