Boyd Warren

Forest

Boyd Warren Forest, 87, Lake Mills, died peacefully and went to Heaven on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 1, 1939, in Granite Falls, MN, the son of the late Anthony and Esther (Kirschbaum) Forest.

In 1957 he graduated from Granite Falls High School and later earned his degree in education from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota in 1964.

He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army in Korea and the U.S.A. He was honorably discharged in 1962.

On August 31, 1962, Boyd married his sweetheart, Patricia Hanson in Granite Falls, MN. Two sons were born in Flint, MI, Scott in 1966 and Jason in 1969. The family moved to Racine, WI in 1969, where Boyd taught for 8 years before they moved to Lake Mills in 1977 to become the assistant principal, then principal, where he has served the school as principal, athletic director, and tennis coach all at the same time.

Boyd had been employed as the Lake Mills Public High School principal for 27 years. Working with the students was a passion and began several friendships that are active today.

He was an active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lake Mills, the Clarence Bean-Warren George Lake Mills American Legion Post #67 and helping with its hamburger stand, lifetime honorable member of the Lake Mills Rotary Club where he had served two terms as past president, past board member of the Lake Mills Parks, volunteer for Rainbow Hospice, and in earlier years had been an active member of the Lake Mills Community Foundation.

In earlier years Boyd had enjoyed running (he ran the Boston Marathon in 1984), biking, playing tennis, coaching tennis, reading, volunteering, and traveling.

Boyd also enjoyed taking care of the UCC Church property for years.  He loved managing the Forest Landscaping property with hours and hours on the lawn mower.  He enjoyed honoring and following Scott to many of his military destinations, attending all the promotions, and several Pentagon trips.   He loved animals and pets, and once again will be able to run and play with his best buddy "Hudson".

Survivors include his wife of nearly 64 years, Patricia; two sons, Scott (Teri) Forest, Jason (Kathy) Forest; grandchildren, Kyla Forest, Alyssa (Shaun) Geracie, Zac (Laurel Raye) Schmitz, Karli Schmitz; great grandchildren, Carter, Berkley, Bridger, Theo, Callum, Rooney; one sister, Lynn (Tom) Bentzen; one sister-in-law, Betty Forest; one brother-in-law, Dennis (Nancy) Hanson; other relatives and friends.

Also preceded in death by his brother, Laverne Forest; four sisters, Donna Johnson, Elaine Oie, Darlene Meier, and Kay "Katie" Childs; one sister-in-law, LeeAnn Smith.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Lake Mills High School.

Friends may call after 12 noon on Saturday at the High School until the time of services.

There will also be a church service at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with burial in Rock Lake Cemetery to follow. A luncheon will be served.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lake Mills or Rainbow Hospice.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com