Gary Fornkahl

Gary Stanley Fornkahl, 69, of Egypt Mills was called to his eternal home Jan. 14, 2010.

He was born at the old Saint Francis Hospital on Sept. 17, 1940, to Robert and Leona Fornkahl. Gary and Karen Woodard were married Aug. 9, 1970, at Hanover Lutheran Church.

Gary attended Brooks Grade School, was a 1958 graduate of College High School and received a bachelor of science degree in history and social science education from Southeast Missouri State College in 1962. Upon graduation, he taught in the Charleston and Hillsboro school districts.

Returning to Egypt Mills in 1976, Gary began farming and raising cattle as well as residential construction. Years later he worked at Gibson Recovery Center, Mayberry Group and My Camp. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Egypt Mills. Organizations and activities he was involved in included 4-H leader with Young Americans 4-H club, he served on the Cape Girardeau County Soil & Water District, was elected and served as chairman of the East County Fire Protection District for 15 years and was a member of the Board of Governors for the Missouri Fire Protection District.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; two daughters, Gretchen Hanks and son-in-law James Hanks Jr. and Meagan Fornkahl; two sons, Gary Justin Fornkahl and Robert Fornkahl; two grandchildren, Corabeth and August Hanks, all of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Ronald Fornkahl and wife Glenda; sisters-in-law, Kolleen Woodard and Karlis Hennrich and her husband Paul; and an aunt, Virginia Rehkopf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and mother- and father-in-law, Dick and Lydia Woodard.

At Gary's request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation or charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made to gsf@showme.net.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.