Robert E Forbess

Robert Eugene Forbess, age 99, died peacefully on January 16, 2026 at Hebron Skilled Nursing Facility - a part of the Oakwood Village University Woods - in Madison, WI.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, George Madison Forbess and Eda Forbess, his first wife Jean, and his sisters, Virigina Banks and Marjorie Stevenson as well as nephews, John Stevenson. He is survived by his second wife, Eunice Reep, and her children, Holly Schick (Herb), Tracy Lay (Tom), Sherry Wank (Paul), and Scott (Lisa); his children: Gary (Beth) of Kearney, NE; Jim (Karen Kushner) of Mahtomedi, MN; Russ (Linda) of Schofield, WI; and Kathy Gallaher (Bill) of Mt. Pleasant, MI; his seven grandchildren: Jessica (Teff Reed), Julia (Donnie McCarthy), Daniel (Jenna), Michael, Natha Gallaher (Gayle Huntress), Jenny VanDyke (Bob), and Sarah Gallaher; three great grandchildren: Ava, Mabel, and Rose; and his niece, Kay Stevenson and nephew, George Banks (Carolyn Kuban), both of Colorado.

Robert was born in Longmont, Colorado on June 12, 1926, son of George Madison Forbess and Eda Forbess. In March 1943, Robert enlisted in the Navy's V-12 program. On February 27, 1945, he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from UW as well as his commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Robert met Jean Evelyn Johnson while both were students at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Robert and Jean were married on July 7, 1946.

Robert and Jean began their married life in Hartford and Manchester, CT, where both worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. Rober was an experimental test engineer working with jet engines. In 1952, Robert was sought out by General Laboratories Associates (GLA) to work as their assistant chief engineer. At GLA Robert was deeply involved in the development of a product - the Exploding Bridge-Wire (EBW) firing unit - that was subsequently used for stage separations on all Apollo manned missions to the Moon.

In 1967, Robert and his family returned to Madison where he took on various administrative positions at the University of Wisconsin. He also earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration while working at the University. He retired in 1991.

Robet was widowed in 2010, after 63 years of marriage to Jean. Then, at age 85, Robert married Eunice and they enjoyed over 14 years together.

During his time in Madison, Robert served on several boards of non-profits, including Second Harvest Foodbank, Bethel Horizons, Harvest of Hope and Friends of Schumacher Farm. Robert was a life-long member of Rotary International. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison and a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Madison. All of these organizations provided Robert with opportunities to what what loved best - serve others.

Robert was devoted to preserving the culture and technology from his boyhood days. In January 2019, he authored a memoir, Once Upon a Boyhood: Life on a Colorado Farm During the Great Depression. He, with the help of his sons, Russ and Gary, restored a small steam engine now in residence at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, that had been hand-build by his father. He also enjoyed participating in threshing events where he could operate his Rumley Oil-Pull steam engine.

Robert enjoyed music, singing, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, as well as spending time with family and friends. He took great satisfaction in building and fixing anything. Of special note, was his leadership in construction of stone fireplaces at Bethel Horizons Church Camp with a small cadre of volunteers. In addition to signing in various church choirs, Robert especially enjoyed singing with the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison under the direction of Patrick Gorman.

Arrangements are being made through Cress Funeral Home. A private funeral will be held and a memorial service will be announced later.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Oakwood Village University Woods for their outstanding care and devotion to Robert and his family. The family also wants to thank the hospice team, Agrace, for their caring and compassion during this time.

Memorials can be made to Oakwood Foundation and Agrace Foundation - Madison, WI.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434