Forrest Allen Hayes

Forrest Allen Hayes, 76, formerly of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, died Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community in Drums, Pennsylvania. 

Forrest was born December 2, 1939, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Forrest Ambrose Hayes and Katherine (Bempkins) Hayes.  

Forrest graduated from White Haven High School in 1957 and joined the U.S. Army in 1962 where he served as a Small Arms Repairman for the 702d Maintenance Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, until he was honorably discharged in 1965.  He then spent 25 years with GTE (now Verizon) before beginning a second career with Gander Mountain.

On December 12, 1969, Forrest married Carolyn M. Wendler at St. Rose Catholic Church in Brodhead, Wisconsin.  The couple then lived in rural Waunakee, Wisconsin, until 1985 when they moved to the Wausau area.  After Carolyn’s passing, Forrest returned to his home state of Pennsylvania.

Forrest enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting, a good game of poker with friends, and spending time outside with his dog.  He was a long-time member and past commander of American Legion Post 360 and was known for his pipe and his handlebar moustache.

Forrest is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Dan) Rauscher of Plymouth, Wisconsin; grandchildren Katherine and Nathan Rauscher of Plymouth, Wisconsin; siblings June Yetter of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Patsy (Terry) Shelhamer of White Haven, Pennsylvania;  and Eugene (Ann Louise) Hayes of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents; his brothers Gordon and Harry Hayes; and his granddaughters Sarah and Emily Rauscher.

Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St, Wausau, WI 54403 and Harman Funeral Homes, PO Box 429, 669 West Butler Dr., Drums, PA 18222 are assisting the family with arrangements.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

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