Alton Duane Forseth, 94, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin went to his heavenly home on February 28, 2024.
He was born on February 11, 1930 in Iola to the late Erling and Julia (Norby) Forseth. Alton married Mabel (Hansen) Forseth on August 1, 1953 in Milwaukee, WI.
Alton attended grade school in a one room multigrade schoolhouse on the corner of Bestul Road and CTH G. In fifth grade, a rural school bus route was established, and the one room schoolhouse was closed so he attended school in the Village. In High School Alton was known as “Happy” or “HAP” for short because of his happy disposition. Alton received exceptional grades and excelled at sports. He was President of his freshman class and then Captain of the basketball team. He attended his class reunions in Iola well into his 80’s.
Alton joined the Air Force in 1948 and did his basic training and military service for one year at Scott Air Force Base with the 3311th Food Service Squadron. He was again recalled to Active Duty in 1950 in support of the Korean War to Brooks Air Force Base, Texas where he served two years; first as a cook, then an Air Police Trainee, and eventually a Medical Helper where he attained the rank of a Corporal and got him interested in Pharmacy.
He enrolled in Pharmacy School at the University of Wisconsin Madison and upon graduation served as a Pharmacy Intern in Whitefish Bay when he passed the Wisconsin State Board Exam. He worked for a number of pharmacies over the years in the Oconomowoc area until joining the Kmart Pharmacy where he retired in 1996 after a 40 year career.
Alton enjoyed traveling and camping with his family of 4 boys and his wife, Mabel. They travelled extensively throughout the United States, and later enjoyed a trip to Norway and many cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean. They spent 10 years wintering in Palm Springs, California and Las Vegas, NV.
He is survived by his wife, Mabel (Hansen) Forseth; 4 sons: James, David, Alan (Oconomowoc) and John (Keven) Shorewood; 5 nieces and 1 nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Delbert (Eunice) Forseth.
Alton enjoyed history and did extensive genealogy research on his Norwegian roots which indicated descent from the first Viking King of Norway.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Iola Historical Society (210 Depot Street, PO Box 412, Iola, WI 54945) who are working to preserve the history of Alton’s hometown, or to the Waupaca County Humane Society (2293 Commercial Dr, Waupaca, WI 54981).
The Funeral Service for Alton will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Iola with Rev. Dale Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment will be in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, Iola.