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DAVID MARK FORSTER

DAVID MARK FORSTER

David Mark Forster, age 58, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022 surrounded by his family.

He was born December 20, 1963 in Columbia, Missouri to Donald and Rosalie Forster, who preceded him in death.

On January 1, 1988 he married his best friend and love of his life, Shelly (Michael) Forster. They had two children Drew and Alyssa.

Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hanging out with his family and friends. Recently, he discovered a love of smoking meats and cooking for his family. He was often heard saying, “That’s a $100 plate, right there!”

In addition to his hobbies, Mark was a lifelong educator. He started his teaching career as an Agriculture Education teacher in Cabool, MO in January 1989. While there he became very passionate about his job and was named Educator of the Year in only his second year of teaching. Feeling a desire to be closer to our hometown, Mark then took a job in Kahoka, MO, where he taught agriculture at Clark County R-1 for three years before deciding to move back to our hometown of Milan. While teaching in Milan, Mark was successful in creating and maintaining one of the top FFA Chapters in Missouri. He inspired many youths to achieve more than they themselves believed was possible. During his tenure as an FFA advisor, many of his students earned top honors in FFA and vocational agriculture contests in addition to the numerous students who earned their State and American FFA Degrees. Mark earned Honorary Chapter Degrees from all of his FFA Chapters, and many other honors for his dedication to agriculture.

After being in the classroom for twelve years, Mark decided that he wanted to impact more kids, so he went back to school and earned his master’s and Specialist in Educational Leadership. He served as high school principal at Linn County R-1, Adair County R-1, Milan C-2, and South Harrison R-1. He was most proud of his accomplishments at Milan C-2 where he achieved great success in creating a positive learning environment for all students. Mark was especially proud of his ability to connect with kids and to encourage them to work hard to achieve their goals.

Mark is survived by his wife, Shelly of the home, his son Drew Forster and his wife Ahlea of Granger, IA, his daughter Alyssa Bankus and her husband Cooper of Granger, IA, and one granddaughter Marley Jewell.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM, at Schoene- Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at Bairdstown Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 8 from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.