Forest D. Boelling, 94, of Collinsville, Illinois passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the University Nursing and Rehab in Edwardsville. He was born August 4, 1929, in Granite City, Illinois, a son of the late Forest and June (Jenkins) Boelling. He married the love of his life, Rosalee “June” (Reynolds) Boelling on April 16, 1973, in Las Vegas, Nevada and she passed away on January 19, 2014. After high school, Forest was recruited by the Los Angeles Dodgers and enjoyed two years as their left-handed pitcher. He then began a career with Conalco Aluminum in Madison. After his retirement, he enjoyed several years working as an usher for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Forest was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan throughout the years. He also loved his days of traveling and had a love for dogs. Forest and Naomi had a large blended family and Forest was so proud to be an integral part of the love and special moments shared with them all. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Karen (Clifton Jones) Boelling of Troy, Kim (John) Mueller of Waterloo, Kent (Judy) Boelling of O’Fallon, Missouri, John Philip Barham of Granite City, Nola Barham of Collinsville, Sharon (Bob) Link of Mark Twin National Forest, Missouri and Debra A. (Michael) Garland of Granite City; seven grandchildren, Michael, David, Zachary, Michael, Matthew, Tracy and Julia; several great grandchildren; other extended family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Rudi Barham and a daughter, Lavonda Barham. In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com
