Ned Forsmann

Ned Forsmann ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by DeFord Funeral Home - Grangeville on Mar. 10, 2026.Ned Forsmann passed away March 8, 2026. Edward Joseph "Ned" was born on September 3, 1928, to Frank and Catherine Forsmann. He lived on the family farm most of his life. He started school at St. Joseph's Grade School in Cottonwood and then onto St. Gertrude's Academy. Due to his brothers' involvement in World War II, his sophomore year was interrupted to takeover the family farm.He married Patty Hayden on July 19, 1951 – and together, they raised 11 children. They include Janet Cable (Bob); Marty Forsmann; Shirley Zobeck (Paul); David, Larry (Janis); Jerry (Pat); Joe (Rene); Sharalyn; Diane Cook (Bob); Rick; and Julie. His legacy also included 18 grandkids; 26 great grandkids; and 11 great great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, and daughters – Shirley and Sharalyn; his siblings: Frank, Clarence, Cleo, Mark, John, Anne, Katherine, Delores, and Cornelia. His one surviving sibling is his sister, Carol.Farming wheat, barley, oats, peas, and canola; raising chickens, pigs, cattle and kids; and a growing large garden are examples of a life well lived. The cattle operation involved wintering the animals in the Salmon River Country with the Gehrings, as well as timberland located on the Cottonwood Butte. These were very enjoyable times and he often commented that the scenery was "spectacular". If you knew him well, he had a great love for his horses, cow dogs and the Salmon River.During his life – in addition to the farm – he worked in various off-season jobs. Those included rebuilding Graves Creek Road after a flood; house construction; a new sewer line in Cottonwood; driving school bus and seasonal work for the Cottonwood Elevator Company. He also helped build the bubble built over the radar screen on the top site on the Butte and volunteered as the Idaho County Fair. As a Commissioner for Cottonwood Highway District for 27 years he was a representative for the State Highway District Association in Boise.Other volunteer activities included being a member of the Holy Names Society, Advisory board for the school district and St. Mary's Parish Council.He and Patty travelled to Branson, Missouri; Hawaii, the San Juan Islands; California; Phoenix, Grand Canyon Wyoming; Portland, Oregon, and, of course, a summer trips to Zims Hot Springs after every harvest.A rosary will be recited on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Cottonwood followed by Memorial Mass at 10:30 am. Arrangements are under the direction of the DeFord Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at defordfh.com.In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Special Olympics Idaho or your favorite charity.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.