Ray Forney
November 8, 1946 — September 18, 2025
Raymond Ruben Forney of Forreston IL, left for the great tractor pull and karaoke fest in the sky on Thursday September 18, 2025 at U.W. Madison Hospital, with his family by his side.
Ray was born November 8th, 1946 in Morrison IL, He was the 3rd youngest child of Albert E. and Jaunita I. (Jaques) Forney.
He attended Forreston High School where he was active in and held numerous track records. He aspired to be a farmer, mechanic, big rig truck driver, tractor puller, singer, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.
He was a proud member of numerous tractor pulling associations in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin,; a proud member of Midwest Operating Engineers Union; Sterling Moose Club; and attended/ participating in many karaoke events. He greatly enjoyed auctions, road trips and traveling, eating out, adding to his numerous collections, and spending time with his family and especially his great grandchildren.
On March 8 of 1976 Ray married the love of his life Janice Kay Pagel and shared 48 beautiful years together.
Ray is survived by his sister Joanne (Gary) Abels; his children Michael Forney, Lois Ewing, Raymond W. (Doreen) Forney, Ruben Forney, Robert (Stephanie) Forney, Laura Forney, Lisa Forney; numerous grandchildren, including two of whom Ray and his beloved wife Janice raised (Timothy Forney and Christopher Forney); several great grandchildren; he is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Karen Forney and Joyce Hummel, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and many special friends including extra special ones he considered family, Jack and Bessie.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Lucy Forney and Juanita and Edwin Lauts; his beloved wife Janice (Pagel); his mother and father-in-law Marie and Daryl Pagel, brother Carl Forney, and brother-in-law Larry Hummel.
Per Ray's request, a private service for immediate family will be held. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date for all of Ray's family and friends.
