Robert Lee Forsting

Robert Lee Forsting was born May 15, 1947 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Russell and Vera (Gemar) Forsting. Robert grew up on the family farm east of Barnard, South Dakota and graduated from Barnard High School in 1965. As a young farm boy, he was fascinated with airplanes. In his adult years he turned that fascination into reality.He attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was a member of the Collegiate Choir and Northern Singers.Bob moved to Pasadena, CA in 1973 and worked as an accounting manager on Alaska North Slope to Canada Pipeline Project for Parsons Engineering. An entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to develop and own Southland Management Company, a residential property management business, in Southern California for 17 years. During that time he became an airline pilot. He flew commuter and on-demand charter operations. He was a flight instructor for Beech Aero Club. He conducted primary and advanced flight and ground instruction for private, commercial and instrument students.From 1991 through April 1993 he was a Captain for Pacific Coast Airlines flying on-demand charters throughout the southeastern United States.Until his death, he was a certified pilot with over 6000 hours and top safety rating.In 1992 Bob moved to Burnsville, Mn. where he purchased the 14th Candleman Franchise. Located in the Mall of America, it was the #1 store in system sales volume, received numerous awards and was on the CNN TravelGuide. He sold the business in 2003.In 2003 Robert developed, operated and managed South Valley Laser Center. It was a hybrid between medical clinic and day spa with a menu of services. He sold that business in February 2008.Robert was a member of Mary Mother of The Church Catholic Church in Burnsville, MN and participated in the church choir. He was a member of the Metropolitan Men's Choir and Knights of Columbus. Robert was a gracious intellect with a wonderful sense of humor. Whether he hunted pheasants, prepared gourmet meals or skied the mountains in Europe, he was passionate. His greatest passion of all was his love of flying and his personal single engine plane. He is now flying free with the Angels, in peace, for eternity.Robert is preceded in death by his father.Robert is survived by his mother, Vera Forsting, two brothers, Jerry (Melissa) Forsting of Garden Grove, CA and Jeffrey (Kristi) Forsting of Columbia, South Dakota, one sister Shirley (Stephen) Ellwein of Fort Pierre, South Dakota; nieces, Rebecca Rink and MiKayla Mae Forsting; nephews, Jason Feickert and Matthew Forsting; great nieces, Lauren Rink, Olivia Rink, Regan Rink and Sophia Feickert; great nephews, Richard Rink and Ezra Feickert.Memorial Mass, Wed. (1/27), 2:00 p.m. at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery in Aberdeen, SD.