Frank's Memorial Page

Frank B. Forsman

July 1, 1917 - June 24, 2003

Frank was born July 1, 1917 in Keuterville, Idaho. He served in the Army during World War II as a PFC in the Third Division’s, Ninth Field Artillery. In 1946 he married Margaret Abbl and moved to Portland, Oregon where he was a mechanic for Haugen Automotive in Portland for 35 years and later worked for St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery in Tigard, Oregon.

Frank as a young man.

Frank and Margaret (Abbl) Forsman, 1946.

Frank, between his mother and father in the front row, (third from the left) and his 14 brothers and sisters.

Frank served during WW II in the US Army's, Third Division, Ninth Field Artillery. 155mm long guns. His best war story was about the time they met General George S. Patton. Frank's unit found themselves ahead of the front lines in a big push. This is not a good thing for an artillery unit. They were so far ahead that they were exchanging small arms fire with German soldiers. A decision was made to fall back and as they were doing so found themselves face to face with the General. He let them know that no soldier under his command was going to retreat in the face of the enemy. They let the General know that they were not retreating but, were trying to make it back to the wooded area so that enemy aircraft would not spot them. That was agreeable to the General.

This is a bike that my dad bought for my mom so that she would have some transportation because she did not drive yet and they only had one car at that time.

This is a group photo of the employees at Haugen Automotive in Portland, OR. The owner, Ole Haugen, is second form the left. Frank is second from the right. Frank worked here as a mechanic, bodyman and painter for about 35 years. If it had wheels (car or truck), they worked on it. He even pumped gas (back when they looked under the hood and made sure your car was in good condition).

This is the only time I remember my dad having a beard. He grew it for the Oregon Centennial in 1959.

My dad with my sister's Arabian horse, Brucie (Shah on Fire). 7/2001

More Photo's of Frank.....

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