Gilbert J. "Gil" Forthofer

Forthofer, Gilbert J. “Gil”, age 82, of Plymouth passed away peacefully on November 24, 2018. Beloved husband of 57 years to Marie. Dear father of Lisa LaVine. Proud grandpa of Eva LaVine. Caring brother of the late Gertrude Schrauf. The Memorial Gathering Sunday, December 2, 2018, from 1 - 4 PM with a family remembrance service at 3:30 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W., (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth, MI. In state Tuesday, December 4th 10 AM until the 10:30 AM Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, Attn: Helping Hands, 29100 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034-9905. The family suggests the gift designation to the Compassion and Immediate Care Fund. To donate online follow this link: https://aaa1b.org/donate To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page. Family Obituary: Gilbert Forthofer Passed in peace at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with MDS and acute myeloblastic leukemia. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marie (Mer). Loving father of Lisa LaVine (Toots) and proud grandfather of Eva LaVine (Eva baby). Brother of the late Gert Schrauf (Sis). Further survived by nieces Lyn and Rose and other relatives and friends. He excelled at story telling, water skiing, Christmas caroling at nursing homes and handing out snacks to the landscape crew. He was a positive soul with an infectious sense of fun. Gil will be fondly remembered as a enthusiastic mentor, tireless cheerleader and wise counsel. In his 32 years at Ford Motor Company he led some remarkable teams to accomplish some remarkable results. He is former plant manager of Green Island, NY; Sandusky, OH; and Saline, MI where he had many a Christmas tie cut on the shop floor as a sign of respect at the holidays. A hole in one golfer, Gil spent much of his 23 year retirement on the fairways. So many wonderful memories. So many golf games we best all forget. Gil was the kind of guy who lied about his age so he could ride horses on Mackinac Island with his daughter and granddaughter at the age of 78 (or was that 68?). He loved “guts” was always for the underdog and never saw a boxing match that didn’t leave him transfixed. He attended Miami University of Ohio where he made the Dean’s List, served in the U.S. Army from 1956 - 1958 and was a huge patriot who never missed an opportunity to fly the American flag. Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, has triumphed over death so happily it’s not goodbye it’s just see you later, Gil. We thank you God for our dear, dear Gibby and for the inexhaustible list of blessings in our lives. With grateful, grateful, grateful hearts, “all for Jesus!"

Gilbert J. "Gil" Forthofer

March 18, 1936 - November 24, 2018