Obituary: Forest Eugene Walz

Forest Eugene Walz (January 10, 1931 – January 10, 2026)

Forest Eugene Walz, 95, peacefully passed away on his 95th birthday, Saturday, January 10, 2026. Forest’s family and friends will celebrate his life at Emanuel United Church of Christ on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a visitation from 10am to 11am, and his funeral service immediately following. Pastor Cheryl Kaiser will officiate. Burial will take place following the service at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester with Military Honors.

Forest was born on January 10, 1931, in his childhood home in Norvell Township. He was the oldest amongst four sisters. Growing up, Forest worked from his home at M-52 and Pleasant Lake Road, using Ford Model A frames to build farm wagons, pumping gas, and doing a variety of mechanic’s work. In 1956, Forest married the love of his life, Joan Huber, was drafted into the US Army, and was sent to Anchorage, Alaska. It was in Anchorage that he met Red Wood, who would introduce Forest to the carnival business.

After his time in the Army, Forest spent time working as a mechanic for Tirb Chevrolet in 1965, before acquiring a brand-new double Ferris wheel in New York State, which led to 26 successful years in the carnival business. After this time, Forest sold his carnival equipment and began buying, selling, and repairing lawn mowers and other small engines in the early ’90s. He spent his retirement caring for his wife, Joan, and enjoying his grandchildren.

Forest will be missed by his son Jonathan (Carrie) Walz; his sister, Joan Rowland; his four grandchildren, Jessica (Alec) Kaker, Anna Walz, Olivia Walz, and Jackson Walz; his great-grandson, Beau Kaker; his brother-in-law, Stan Kemner; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Joan, and his three sisters, Carol (Jack) Saunders, MaryAnn (Bob) Hyde, and Elaine Kemner.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Emanuel Church in Manchester, Mich. Please leave a message of comfort for Forest’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.