Edward J "Ned" Forsmann

Edward Joseph “Ned” Forsmann was born on September 3, 1928, to Frank and Catherine Forsmann and passed away on March 8, 2026. He spent most of his life on the family farm near Cottonwood, Idaho. After beginning his education at St. Joseph’s Grade School and St. Gertrude’s Academy, he left school during his sophomore year to manage the farm while his brothers served in World War II.

In 1951 he married Patty Hayden, and together they raised eleven children: Janet Cable (Bob), Marty Forsmann, Shirley Zobeck (Paul), David, Larry (Janis), Jerry (Pat), Joe (Rene), Sharalyn, Diane Cook (Bob), Rick, and Julie. Ned is survived by 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Patty, daughters Shirley and Sharalyn, and siblings Frank, Clarence, Cleo, Mark, John, Anne, Katherine, Delores, and Cornelia. His sister Carol survives him.

Ned farmed wheat, barley, oats, peas, and canola, raised livestock and a large garden, and maintained a cattle operation that wintered in the Salmon River Country with the Gehrings and utilized timberland on Cottonwood Butte. He spoke often of the spectacular scenery there and held a deep affection for his horses, cow dogs, and the Salmon River. In addition to farming, he worked on road reconstruction after floods, house construction, sewer-line installation, school-bus driving, and seasonal elevator work. He helped construct the radar installation on the Butte, served 27 years as a Cottonwood Highway District Commissioner, and volunteered with the Holy Names Society, the school-district advisory board, St. Mary’s Parish Council, and the Idaho County Fair.

Ned and Patty enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri, Hawaii, the San Juan Islands, California, Phoenix, the Grand Canyon, Wyoming, Portland, and their cherished annual trips to Zims Hot Springs after harvest. He lived a full life rooted in family, hard work, and quiet devotion to the land and community he loved.