Submitted by: Dan Rich

Robert L. Forster

Oct. 5, 1924 - April 4, 1999

South Bend Tribune 4/9/1999

Mr. Robert L. Forster, 74, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, in the Hancock Memorial Hospital. He was born on Oct. 5, 1924, in South Bend, to Harold J. and Portia ''Ginther'' Forster.

On Nov. 19, 1955, he married the former Betty A. Greene, who survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Connie J. (Brad) Weber of McCordsville, Ind., Joan L. (Luke) Vanderbleek of Morrison, Ill.; two sons, Robert K. (Lilly) Forster and Gary L. Forster, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Michael and Robert Forster, Riley, Ross and Emma Weber, Mattie, Olivia, Isabel and Tessa Vanderbleek.; a sister, Janie (William) Niedbalski of South Bend; two aunts, Margaret Freund and Alice Blemling of South Bend; and by several nieces and nephews.

Robert retired in 1986 as an engineers assistant with the I & M Electric Company. He served with honor in the United States Army during World War II, and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. He held membership in the Vrea Retirement Club, and was a longstanding member of the John Adams Booster Club.

A funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 9, in the Little Flower Catholic Church, with the Rev. Donald Guertin officiating. Friends are invited to call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N. William Street. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for the Homeless or to the Little Flower Catholic Church Food Pantry. Robert loved fishing and was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed.