Richard "Dick" C. Forinash

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 21, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the Richard Forinash Scholarship Fund, the Liberty Center Methodist Church, or the Lacona Fire Department.

Richard “Dick” Clell Forinash was born on May 11, 1936, to Leo V. and Sara Emily Forinash in West Chester, Iowa. In his early years, the family lived in Conesville. From there, they moved to Richland during his sophomore year. It was then that he met Bernadine Baker. He graduated from Richland High School in 1955, then went on to graduate from Parsons College in 1959. He married Bernadine on July 31, 1960. To this union, the couple was blessed with two daughters: Bobbi Jo was born in 1969, and Billie Jo was born in 1973.

Dick’s first teaching job was in Charlotte, Iowa. He taught English and PE. He then moved to Southeast Warren in 1961 to teach PE. It was only going to be for a year to see if he liked it. It’s apparent he did as the family stayed. He coached several sports then started the wrestling program during the 1962-1963 school year. He was the wrestling head coach until he retired in 1980.  He continued to teach PE until he retired in 1985. After retirement, he focused on his antiques and auctions and wheeling and dealing.

Dick became a legend at Southeast Warren. He was a teacher and a coach, but he went above and beyond. He not only made sacrifices for his daughters, he thought of all the kids as his own and did whatever he could to help them if needed. Bernadine was even in charge of doing the laundry for the wrestlers. The students, athletes, and the community were so very important to him.

Dick acquired a few nicknames during his years at Southeast Warren. A couple were “Old Bones” and “Rich Rotten.” He was one of a kind, ornery, caring, and generous. He will be remembered as an all around great guy!

Dick will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Bernadine; daughters: Bobbi (Todd) Wilson of Centerview, MO and Billie (Jeremy) Butler of Atlantic, IA; 4 grandchildren: Caleb Wilson of Ruston, LA, Tori (Peter) Wilson of Warrenburg, MO, Levi Butler of Waukee, IA, and Ellie Jo Butler of Atlantic, IA; sister, Charlotte (Dick) Downey; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Sara Forinash; sister, Delores Young; and nephew, Mike Young.