Rodney Russell Forgey

Rodney (Rod) Russell Forgey, 86, of Casper finished his work here on earth on October 21, 2024. Rod was born on November 2, 1937, to Russell & Phyllis (Hollenbeck) Forgey in Ainsworth, Nebraska.

Rod moved to Casper, Wyoming with his folks and sister, Hazel, in 1944, when Russ decided to go into the construction and ranching business with his brother Joe. That was the beginning of sparks for Rod as it became his life’s passion to move the earth. Rod rode his bike to the first job that Russ did on what is now the Casper Fairgrounds.

Rod’s family traveled throughout the state for work and Rod learned to run the equipment and how to manage the jobs as he got older. Russ depended on him and both of their love for agriculture expanded as the ranching and farming operations grew. Amidst all the work travels and learning, Rod graduated from NCHS in 1957.

When the construction company was working in the Big Horn Basin Rod met Lenora May Finch when he was taking a break at the roller rink. They were married in 1958 in Worland, Wyoming. They were blessed with three children, Kevin, Keith and Kimberly. The kids were Rod & Lenora’s pride and joy. Family brought Rod strength during hard times and laughter and joy all the time. Highway work moved them around the state still, until they settled down and made Casper their home in 1965.

As time went on and the families grew, Rod looked forward to Sunday dinners and holidays with grandkids, telling stories and making memories. Spending time with family was closest to Rod’s heart.

 Over the years Rod enjoyed spending time in Arizona with his sister Hazel and her husband Dan. Rod was proud to trust his sons to run the business while he was a snowbird for several months a year. These were times that they looked forward to every year.

Rod’s biggest challenge of his career was in 1972 when they took on the Exxon Mine in Shirley Basin. Forgey Construction made their legacy there, stripping and moving overburden for 12 years. The company also leveled land for the railroad and continued to build highways throughout the state until the sale of the construction company in April of 1993.

The sale of the company didn’t slow Rod down. He was a hard-working man, and he dove more into the farming and ranching world. Rod always made sure there was still equipment to keep the roads smooth in the country! He took every opportunity to drive a truck or help out one of his kids or a friend. Rod searched for buddies to have a cup of coffee or a beer with and loved tinkering in his shop and shopping for trucks and equipment.

Rod met Marinel Acuin Rojas in the Providence Philippines in 2007. They fell in love and were married in the Philippines on June 27, 2009. In 2010 Marinel moved to Casper with Rod where they made their home together. Rod enjoyed showing Marinel all about the United States, traveling many places to create memories together. Driving in the country was a favorite past time they shared together.

He is survived by his wife, Marinel; son, Kevin Forgey (Kim); daughter, Kim Forgey; step-son, Raymar; grandchildren Shantel, Scotty, Rachel, Allison, Kaylin, Kelsey, Karl and Korina, 16 great-grandchildren; and many friends and other family that loved him. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, sister Hazel Carr, and brother-in law Dan Carr, his son, Keith and daughter-in-law Brandi.

A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 1 pm at The Barn, 7992 Zero Road, with a meal provided. Cards can be sent to PO Box 747 Mills, WY 82644. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wyoming Donor Alliance or a charity of your choice.

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