Larry Forthum

Larry Forthum

1944 – 2024

BATTLE CREEK - Larry D. “Pork Chop” Forthum, 80, of Battle Creek, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Willow Dale Wellness Village.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove. Father William A. McCarthy will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek. Military Rites will be conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Vigil at 7 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ida Grove. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com.

Larry D. “Pork Chop” Forthum, the son of Don and Elda (Brodersen) Forthum, was born in Sioux City, on May 6, 1944.

A native of Battle Creek, Larry grew up in town and graduated from Battle Creek High School with the class of 1962. On Oct. 26, 1962, Larry enlisted into the United States Navy and faithfully served his country overseas during the Vietnam War. In October of 1966, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. 

Larry returned home to Battle Creek, where he fell in love with the next-door neighbor, Sharon McManus who had just moved to Battle Creek to start her career in education. On June 28, 1969, they were united in marriage at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Reliance, South Dakota. The couple chose Battle Creek as their forever home and were blessed with a daughter, Tammie. 

If he could strap-it, he would haul it. “The king of ratchet straps”, Larry trucked over the road hauling livestock, flatbeds of iron, feed ingredients, race cars, boat trailers, and large road paving machines. He enjoyed the wide-open road and trucked until his health prevented him from continuing. Larry never knew a stranger and was a friend to all. He loved dancing, golfing, playing cards as long as he was winning, driving around town in his golf cart, and tinkering in his shop. 

Larry loved his family; however, his grandchildren Kirsten, Kelsey, and Damon held his heart completely. A devoted grandfather, he taught them all how to drive at a tender age and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He constructed sets and props for theater, prom, school plays, and 5-Star Dance for his granddaughters. “Pork Chop” as his grandson Damon referred to him, enjoyed his quick wit and learning to be a hard worker and handyman. 

Left with many fond memories to cherish are his devoted wife of 55 years, Sharon Forthum of Battle Creek; daughter Tammie and husband Kevin Dausel of Battle Creek; grandchildren Kirsten (Trayton Oberreuter) Dausel, Kelsey (Colin Bengford) Dausel, and Damon Dausel; brothers Eldon (Betty) Forthum of Zionsville, Indiana, and Dwain (Georgia) Forthum of Watonga, Oklahoma; sister Annie (Mike) Jepsen of Deloit, Iowa; brother-in-law Roger Deppen of Wathena, Kansas; extended family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Don and Elda Forthum; sister Marcia Deppen; in-laws William and Bertha McManus; brothers-in-law Bernard McManus and Ronnie McManus. 

Services: Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 2:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ida Grove

Burial: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek

Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home • Ida Grove • 712-364-2727