Gerald (Gary) Forsmann passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2011.

On Dec. 3, 1944, the oldest of five children, he was born to Mark Forsmann and Rita Uhlorn Forsmann in Cottonwood. He grew up in Cottonwood and graduated from St. Gertrude's Academy in 1963.

On June 11, 1966, he married Marilyn Gehring of Greencreek. After living in Cottonwood, they moved to Grangeville in 1970, where they established their home, raised their family and farmed until his death.

Gary was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. His commitment to his faith was unshakable and he was active in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Camas Choristers, Idaho County Orchestra and various other organizations throughout his life. Some of his greatest enjoyments included spending time with his wife, music, singing, playing his violin and spoiling his grandchildren. His passion for music was great; he was a noted local singer and never met an instrument he couldn't pick up and play. One of his favorite pastime activities involved driving through his beloved Camas Prairie, admiring the wheat fields. He was most content when he was on his Minneapolis Moline tractor in the field. Gary didn't just farm to live; he lived to be on a farm.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Uhlorn Forsmann. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marilyn; his father, Mark Forsmann of Cottonwood; his sisters, Joan and Ralph Dufresne of Marysville Wash., Marcia and Thomas Beckman of Boise, and Mariel and Steve Spring of Spokane; his brother, Mike Forsmann of Boise; his sons, Eric and Joyce Forsmann and Mark and Barbara Forsmann, all of Grangeville; and his daughters, Dina and William Arnold of Spokane and Gretchen and Eric Sisk of New Hartford, Conn. He has 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gary is also survived by a large extended family, which includes aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In celebration of his life, there will be a rosary said at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Grangeville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, followed by the burial at Prairie View Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville.