Forest "Forrie" Fowler

TRAVERSE CITY — Forest L. "Forrie" Fowler, 65, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, July 24, 2010, from accidental injuries. Forest was born Monday, Jan. 1, 1945, to Harry L. and Doris M. (Skiver) Fowler in Detroit. He married Kimberly R. Hough Sept. 21, 1983, in Texas. A resident of Traverse City the last 19 years, Forest had lived in Louisiana previously and moved back to Traverse City to be near his family and to "be there" for his Mom. Forest had been employed in retail sales management most of his working career, but most recently has been employed by Turtle Creek Casino. He will always be remembered as a very fun-loving person, one who was a jokester and instigator, especially with his five sisters. Forest was a good husband, father, great son and brother and loved his children very much. Having kidney disease since a child, Forest received a kidney transplant in 1980, which benefited him tremendously. He loved to hunt and fish, but his greatest passion was playing cards, especially poker, and the opportunity to "clean out" his brothers in law during their annual May fishing trip. Forest is survived by his beloved wife, Kim, daughters, Leslie and Jessica, sons, Todd, Michael (Deb) and C. J. (Kim) Fowler, all of Traverse City; his grandchildren, Amanda, Erin, Kalie, Bethany and Faith; great-grandson, Camden; mother, Doris Fowler of Traverse City; and sisters, Sandra (Jerry) Reese of Interlochen, Dorene (Vic) Lorezca of Florida, Susan Lake and Cindy (John) Waddell of Traverse City and Peggy (Glen) Ridgway of Commerce Township; along with many nieces and nephews. Forest was preceded in death by his father and two nephews, Mark Smith and Danny Lorezca. A celebration of Forest's life will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 912 S. Garfield, Traverse City, with Pastor James Nihiser officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. For those wishing to remember Forest through a memorial contribution, the family has asked that they be directed by mail to The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108-9674, or donations may be made online at www.nkfm.org (click donate tab, complete form, and click memorial gift). Please share your memories and condolences with Forest's family at his online guest book found at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.comThe family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.