Mike Forsyth

Michael Dennis Forsyth passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Madison County Memorial Hospital.

Mike was born May 8, 1947, to Wilbur Duane and Virginia Louise (McKibban) Forsyth in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mike was a farm kid, which shaped his life in his work ethic, skill with heavy equipment, and care for animals and the land. A proud member of the Winterset High School Class of 1965, he balanced farm responsibilities with playing football, which he greatly enjoyed. He later served in the Navy’s Construction Battalion during Vietnam, earning the Navy Commendation Medal for Heroism. After his service, he attended welding school and used his talents to help family and neighbors, later working as a welder, heavy equipment operator, and mail handler for the U.S. Post Office in Des Moines. One of his greatest joys was raising cattle and farming a few acres. He spent his final working years as an over-the-road truck driver. He said he’d never retire, and he didn’t.

Mike and Bonnie (Hudson) Forsyth were married in Creston, Iowa, on February 8, 1969. He was a devoted husband of 57 years and was grateful for Bonnie’s support for his career even though it took him away from home. He made his family his highest priority, and he provided an incredible model of integrity. He was deeply proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, and four grandsons, and supported all they pursued. A quiet man, he made others feel heard and supported, and he enjoyed taking his two white dogs along on errands.

Mike will be remembered for his love of his country, loyalty to family, strong sense of justice, unmatched work ethic and generosity, and ornery smile.

Sustained by a childlike faith, he faced his passing with peace and joy, confident in going home to Jesus.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Sami (Jim) Heithoff and Amanda (Josh) Gaul; and four grandchildren, Will, Luke, and Grant Heithoff, and Samuel Gaul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Louise; stillborn twin daughters; brother, Leo Forsyth; and sister, Mary Cline.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 26, from 2-4 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel, with a time of sharing and a Memorial Gathering at 4 p.m.

The Graveside Service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to Short Years Partnership, (A Non-profit serving families in Madison County with Parents as Teachers in-home family support), American Legion Post #184, and VFW Post #8142.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com.