Craig Allen Forrest, age 54 of River Falls and formerly of Glenwood City, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 16, 2012. Craig was born November 8, 1957 in Baldwin WI to parents Ivan and Henrietta (nee Collis) Forrest. Craig grew up in Glenwood City, and graduated from Glenwood City High School. After high school, Craig went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from UW River Falls. On April 5, 1986, Craig would be united in marriage to Lori Anne Hoffman. Their union in marriage would be blessed with three children, Nic, Grace, and Ethan.

Craig currently worked as an employee of the Andersen Window Corporation. Outside of work, Craig was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan who enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening, a round of Bingo, and spending time with his family and friends. Craig especially enjoyed tapping maple trees in his own back yard to make syrup for family and friends, the way he learned from his father-in-law Loran. Craig was a lover of literature and history, and fueled that passion by being an avid reader. Craig spoke French and Spanish, and his travels took him all across Europe. Craig was also a long-time member of the Grace Mission, where he was active in leading home study groups. Craig touched the lives of many, and he will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved him best.

Craig is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lori; his children, Nic Forrest, Grace (Chris Olsen) Forrest, and Ethan Forrest; siblings, Zoa (Richard) Zimmerman, Dave (Sherry) Forrest, Richard (Joy) Forrest, Edna (Norm Suckow) Forrest, Donna Forrest, and Keith (Evon) Forrest; parents-in-law, Loran (Barbara) Hoffman; brothers-in-law, Steve (Mary) Hoffman, Scott (Cheryl) Hoffman, and Shawn (Sarah) Hoffman; sister-in-law, Lynn (Jim) Hallgren; special friend of the family, Adam Duncan; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Henrietta; and siblings John, Ronald, Roger, Ralph, James, Gerald, Dale and Beverly; and brother-in-law, Spencer.

A Memorial Service for Craig Forrest will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the New Richmond United Methodist Church, 209 East Second Street in New Richmond WI, with Pastor James Grothe of the Grace Mission officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-8:00PM on Friday at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street in Baldwin. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434