William "Bill" J. LaForge, age 84, of Independence, Kansas, passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas.
William "Bill" J. LaForge was born Jan. 22, 1938, in Girard, to Edward and Gertrude (Diskin) LaForge. Bill grew up in Greenbush, Kansas, and graduated from St. Paul High School in 1955. After high school, Bill moved to Plymouth, Michigan.
On April 27, 1957, Bill married Carole Smith in St. Paul, Kansas. The couple made their home in Michigan for a short time before moving to Independence, Kansas, in 1958. Carole preceded him in death on Oct. 31, 2006.
Bill worked as a construction superintendent for LaForge and Budd Construction Company in Parsons, Kansas, for 52 years retiring in 2010. On June 6, 2009, Bill married Coleen Blaes Thompson at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, Kansas. Bill was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved to deer and pheasant hunt along with fishing. He's known for his fish fries and for taking the grandchildren to the farm to fish.
Survivors include one daughter Lisa Dent of Chanute, Kansas; two sons Doug LaForge of Independence, Kansas, and Scott LaForge (Sheri) of Oak Grove, Missouri; one stepdaughter Daleen Forman (Matt) of Cherryvale, Kansas; one brother Jack LaForge; nine grandchildren: Derek, Lensi, Lee, Logan, Lexi, Faith, Gracie, Finley, and Page; eight great-grandchildren: Landry, Meila, Hattie, Ella, Millie, Archie, Brylee and Lakelyn; two sisters-in-law Bernice LaForge and Judy LaForge; one brother-in-law Mick McAtee.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Carole; siblings, Paul LaForge, Pat LaForge, Bernard LaForge, Roberta Padget, Marilyn Vitt, Phyllis McAtee, and Jane Coomes; cousin, Don Diskin; and sister-in-law, Betty Diskin.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at the St. Andrews Catholic Church, with Father Zach Pinaire officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel.
Reciting of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at the St. Andrews Catholic Church. Visitation hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas, and on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Andrews Catholic Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.pottsfuneralhome.com.
The family has suggested memorials to the St. Andrews Catholic School or the Forpaz Friends of the Riverside Park and Zoo. Contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel.
