Thomas William Forster

Thomas (Tom) William Forster passed away peacefully at his home in Orono Minnesota on September 28, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Tom was born at home on the family farm in Plymouth Minnesota on September 5, 1934. He went to grade school in small schoolhouse about half a mile from the farm. He graduated from Robbinsdale Highschool in 1952. In high school played varsity football.

Tom grew up working the family farm with his parents Ronald and Dewetta Forster and his brother Philip. They raise chickens, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep and hogs. They also had a large vegetable garden and sold their produce at the Minneapolis Farmers market.

In 1947 Tom's father started a small meat process business on the farm. The business grew. A retail store was added, along with smokehouses, a sausage kitchen and larger processing facilities. Tom worked closely with his family as Forster Meats grew and thrived.

Tom married Betty Roehl on August 28th 1956. They built a home on the Forster's Farm where they raised three children Darrell, Cynthia and Richard.

Hunting was a passion of Tom's. He enjoyed hunting ducks, pheasants and ruffled grouse. He particularly enjoyed Deer hunting. Deer season was a special time of year for Tom. Whether he bagged a deer or not he pursued his passion with great enthusiasm. He passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren.

Tom was an avid fisherman. He loved going to the family cabin on Lake Mille Lacs and catching walleyes. For many years going to the opening day of fishing season was family tradition he would not miss.

Fishing forged deep friendships for Tom. For over 30 years he and a group friends took fly-in fishing trips to lakes Ontario Canada. He cherished those times with those gentlemen. He took great pleasure in talking of those times and telling the stories that made those trips so rare.

Tom loved traveling. He and Betty vacationed throughout the United States with their children. They visited many national parks and historical places. Their favorite place to vacation was Estes Park Colorado at the YMCA of the Rockies.

In 1976 they took a month to travel to Alaska in a converted Ford Van. They drove the then 1700 miles the ALCAN Highway. This was a time when long stretches of the highway were not paved. Betty took many photos of the trip. Tom said, "it was an adventure of a lifetime."

They also travelled to Kenya, Egypt, Isreal, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic.

When Tom married Betty, he converted to Catholicism. He was very involved in his parish, Holy Name of Jesus, in Medina Minnesota. He served on the Holy Name School Board and Parish council. He chaired the Holy Name Auction. He was very involved in the parish festival Country Days. He made sure there was plenty of roast beef for the Big Steer Sandwiches. Tom was part of Cursillo, Christians in Search, Renew and other small groups and retreats. You could always find Tom and Betty, on Sunday morning, seated for 8:30 Mass in the front row by baptismal font at Holy Name.

When Tom's father passed away in 1972, he, along with his brother Philip, became co-owners of the now Forster Meat Packing Company. Both the brother's children worked in various capacities for the company. Tom took great pride in his meat company. It became who he was. He cherished working with his children most of all. Tom served as president of the company until1998. He retired in 2002. He continued to work part-time into seventies.

Tom was very devoted to his wife Betty and she to him. Through several bouts of cancer treatment in recent years Betty was always at his side. They drew strength from each other and from their faith. On August 28th of this year Tom and Betty celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They both said, "We made it!"

Tom is survived by his wife Betty. Children: Darrell Forster (Mary), Cynthia Forster Cavanaugh (Tim), Richard (Kristi). Grandchildren Jessica Edstrom, Amanda Edstrom, Joshua Edstrom, Brooke Rohling (Alex), Christian Forster (Amanda), Seth Forster, Clinton Forster, Shannon Forster (Tommy Carlson) Bill Cavanaugh (Natalie dec.) Tom Cavanaugh. Great- Grandchildren: Tristan Edstrom, Addison Edstrom, Ruby Cavanaugh, Lauren Cavanaugh, Jackson Cavanaugh, Ethan Rohling, Quinn Rohling. Sister in-laws Margery Forster (Phillip dec.) and Kathleen Roehl (Allan dec.). Nephew: Danny Forster (Alex) Nieces: Deborah Forster and Deanna Forster-Kulhanek (Jason). He survived by many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom is pre-ceded in death by his parents Ronald and Dewetta Forster and his brother Phillip.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM, October 12th 2026 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Medina Minnesota. In lieu of flowers memorials in Tom's name are encouraged to be made to the St. Scholastica Monastery Duluth MN or Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Capital Campaign.