William "Bill" Laforge

William “Bill” J. LaForge, age 84 of Independence, Kansas passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Medicalodges in Independence, Kansas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 25, 2022 at the St. Andrews Catholic Church with Father Zach Pinaire officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel.

Reciting of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2022 at the St. Andrews Catholic Church. Visitation hours will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas and on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the St. Andrews Catholic Church. Friends may leave online condolences at www.pottsfuneralhome.com.

The family has suggested memorials to the St. Andrews Catholic School or the Forpaz (Friends of the Riverside Park and Zoo. Contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel.

William “Bill” J. LaForge was born January 22, 1938 in Girard, Kansas to Edward and Gertrude (Diskin) LaForge. Bill grew up in Greenbush, Kansas and graduated from the St. Paul High School in 1955. After High School Bill moved to Plymouth, Michigan.

On April 27, 1957 Bill married Carole Smith in St. Paul, Kansas. The couple made their home in Michigan for a short time before moving to Independence, Kansas in 1958. Carole preceded him in death on October 31, 2006.

Bill worked as a construction superintendent for LaForge & Budd Construction Company in Parsons, Kansas for 52 years retiring in 2010. On June 6, 2009 Bill married Coleen Blaes Thompson at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia, Kansas. Bill was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved to deer and pheasant hunt along with fishing. He’s known for his fish fry’s and taking the grandchildren to the farm to fish.

Survivors include one daughter Lisa Dent of Chanute, Kansas; two sons Doug LaForge of Independence, Kansas and Scott LaForge (Sheri) of Oak Grove, Missouri; one step daughter Daleen Forman (Matt) of Cherryvale, Kansas; one brother Jack LaForge; nine grandchildren Derek, Lensi, Lee, Logan, Lexi, Faith, Gracie, Finley and Page; eight great grandchildren Landry, Meila, Hattie, Ella, Millie, Archie, Brylee and Lakelyn; two sister-in-laws Bernice LaForge and Judy LaForge; one brother-in-law Mick McAtee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Carole, Siblings Paul LaForge, Pat LaForge, Bernard LaForge, Roberta Padget, Marilyn Vitt, Phyllis McAtee and Jane Coomes; cousin Don Diskin and sister-in-law Betty Diskin