It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Forrest J. Laughlin, Jr. Forrest was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on January 14, 1932, and passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. During his 94 years, he touched countless lives with his knowledge, wisdom, quick wit, and larger-than-life deer hunting stories.

In 1938, Forrest's family moved to Gobles, Michigan, where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Gobles High School in 1950 and, shortly thereafter, enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served four years during the Korean War as an aviation electrician and air crewman. His sons, Brian and Steven, proudly followed in his footsteps by also serving in the United States Navy.

On June 20, 1959, Forrest married the love of his life, Mary Rohr. Together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage until Mary's passing in 2024. Their love and devotion to one another created the foundation of a close and loving family.

Throughout his career, Forrest worked in several industries. After attending DeVry Institute in Chicago, where he studied television and radio repair, he put his talents to work in a variety of fields. He retired from Prab in 1997.

To his family and friends, he was affectionately known as "Sonny." To his grandchildren, he was simply "Poppy." Forrest had an incredible ability to fix almost anything. Whether it was a car, a toaster, or an entire kitchen remodel, if something was broken, everyone knew to call Dad. There truly wasn't anything he couldn't figure out.

If you knew Sonny, you knew he loved the outdoors. He looked forward every year to deer camp in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where he made treasured memories hunting alongside his mother, brothers, sons, nephews, great-nephews, and anyone else who wanted to come along. He also loved taking his grandchildren fishing and sharing his appreciation for the outdoors with them.

While he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and telling unforgettable stories, Forrest's greatest pride and joy was always his family. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the accomplishments he treasured most.

Forrest is survived by his children: Brian (Melissa) Laughlin of Gobles, Michigan; Steven (Gina) Laughlin of Bettendorf, Iowa; and Jennifer (Jeremy) Flemming of Gobles, Michigan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dustin Laughlin, Hailey (Andrew), Ben Laughlin, Ethan Laughlin, Kaitlyn Laughlin, Bella Laughlin, and Alexis Flemming; his great-grandchildren, Jamison, Presley, and Lilah Laughlin; his brothers, Victor Laughlin and Jerry (Gloria) Laughlin; his sisters, Patty Shyer and Mary Kay (Ron) Weissner; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Frieda Laughlin; his beloved wife, Mary Laughlin; his daughter, Judith Laughlin; and his sisters, Loretta Laughlin, Anna Rose Smith, Shirley Schanz, and Louise Laughlin.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 17, 2026 at St. Jude Mission Parish, 13809 M-40, Gobles, MI 49055. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Forrest's legacy lives on through the family he loved, the values he instilled, and the countless memories he created. He will be deeply missed, by all who knew him.