Donald ‘Don’ G. Forsbeck
Lt. Colonel Donald (Don) G. Forsbeck (retired U.S. Air Force) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Sept. 6, 2020, at the age of 88.
Don was born on July 2, 1932, in to Ansel and Ruffina (Haarberg) Forsbeck. He attended school in Imperial, Nebraska graduating from Chase County High School and Valparaiso, Indiana University. He was an accomplished runner and made it to State.
Although his main desire, was to become a Fighter Pilot. So he enlisted in the United States Air Force Aviation Program. Lt. Colonel Forsbeck served on active duty in the Air Force for over 29 years as combat fighter pilot, staff office at various levels including Officer in Charge, Allied Air Forces in Europe (NATO) in West Germany.
He was commissioned as Commander in Korea earning him honors for his exemplary service. He was cited as a valuable asset, whose innovative tests resulted in change to the Korean Tactical Air Control System.
He was a Command pilot who flew numerous missions in the F-84, F-86 and F-100 Super Sabre for his time spent in Vietnam. He excelled in his duties due to his extensive grasp and expert knowledge of all facets of the Tactical Air Control System. He was described as a Leader in every aspect.
He was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (received 4), Air Force and U.S. Army Commendation Medals, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, along with many other medals and ribbons. He was proud to be an American Veteran.
After serving in the Vietnam War, Don spent time abroad in Germany with Inge, his former wife, where two of his three daughters, Tamara and Tina, were born. He loved living in Germany and enjoyed everything about the German lifestyle from the food to the music and the festivals.
In 1974, Lt. Col. Forsbeck moved his family to Austin, Texas when he was transferred to Bergstrom Air Force base where he later retired in 1982. He went on to earn his Bachelor degree of Applied Arts and Science at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, while tutoring the “younger” college students.
Don cherished the time he spent with family and friends. He loved hunting with his buddies in Nebraska, attending family reunions, BBQ, camping in Texas, Nevada and Colorado and visiting his daughter Tina, and grandson Alex, in Germany. In addition to spending time with family and friends, his hobbies included shooting, reloading, reading, driving on the open roads and watching football.
Don was a longtime member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas, where he made long-lasting friendships.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Ansel and Ruffina Forsbeck, his sisters Betty Forsbeck and Colleen Kinder.
He is survived by his daughters Connie Long; Tamara Forsbeck; Tina Forsbeck and grandson Alex Fischietti. He also leaves behind his brother Gary Forsbeck along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Lt. Col. Forsbeck touched many lives, never forgot anyone’s name, had an incredibly sharp mind being able to recollect nearly every detail of his life including place and date, easy listener, wonderful sense of humor, he was a follower of Christ, an honest man with a humble trait. Daddy, we love you and will miss you greatly~
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills in Austin, Texas. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Lt. Col. Forsbeck by honored by donations to the charity of your choice.