July 22, 1954-May 11, 2023
Forrest Dale Bohlen, age 68, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 11. He was born July 22, 1954, in Danville, Iowa, to Leo and Neva Bohlen.
He graduated from Danville High School in 1972, where he was involved in sports, drama and band. He was part of a quartet with his brothers and sisters. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice.
He later graduated with a BA in religion from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. It was there he met his wife, Becky Kay Foard. He went on to receive his Masters of Divinity at Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Forrest and Becky were married on Dec. 31, 1977.
They were happily married and served in ministry together for 45 years.
They were blessed with two loving daughters, Rachael Marie Wanta and Sarah Elizabeth Parker. They have four grandchildren: Addie Grace, Taylor Faith, Lola Marie Johnson and Elijah Forrest Parker.
Out of seminary, Forrest served as minister of youth/associate pastor at Woods Chapel Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. After that, he served as pastor to Calvary Baptist Church in Gainsville, Texas. In 1989, they were called by God to serve as missionaries with the International Mission Board. They served in Venezuela for 20 years as church planters and six years in Chile, serving missionaries in member care. Since retiring from the IMB, Forrest has served on staff at Centerpoint Church in Pagosa Springs as pastor of Hispanic ministries for the small church he and Becky planted.
Forrest was a gifted and godly man who loved his family, his calling and his Lord. He had both a great sense of humor and a serious walk of faith. Forrest will be missed but not forgotten. He was well-loved and he loved well. He will be remembered as a hardworking servant, helping and serving so many, and for his smile and contagious laugh. He lived by the words of Philippians1:21: “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
He is survived by his wife, Becky; his daughters, Rachael (Jon) Wanta and Sarah (Dalon) Parker; and his grandchildren, Addie, Taylor, Lola Johnson and Elijah Forrest Parker. He also leaves behind his siblings Debra Scopel, Stephen (Val) Bohlen, Brad (Maureen) Bohlen and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara Hanson and his brother-in-laws, Jerry Hanson and Victor Scopel.
A celebration of life will be held at Centerpoint Church, 2750 Cornerstone Drive, on Monday, June 12, at 11 a.m.
You may also visit www.hoodmortuary.com to view the obituary and send a message to the family.
Memorial gifts may be made in Forrest’s name to the International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 23230.
The family would like to give special thanks to the IMB, Centerpoint Church and Donor Alliance.
