Frederick Joseph Forster Jr., 79, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon.
Born on December 19, 1945, in Cleveland, Fred was the son of Fred James and Margaret T. (Gedeon) Forster. On April 30, 1966, he married Lynette Rae Bassett. Together, they built a life grounded in family, faith, and hard work.
Fred’s passion in life was in numbers and business—especially sales. He was a lifelong retailer, beginning at age 18 with Buckeye Mart in Mount Vernon, where he learned the ins and outs of the trade. Over the years, he worked for various retailers throughout Ohio before returning home to manage Conley’s Department Store, which he led to become the most profitable location in the whole chain. Fred would go on to become the proud owner of Glass Gardens Greenhouse and the founder of Forster Seeds of Quality, both based in Mount Vernon. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of gardening, he had an answer to every question and a heart for every customer.
Respected as much for his character as his business acumen, Fred was known for being honest, compassionate, intelligent, and tireless. He gave second chances to people from all walks of life and employed hundreds over the years, many of whom remember him as the best employer they ever had.
Even in his later years, Fred remained active, working from his laptop as a volunteer coach, inventory merchandiser, and business consultant—right up until the day he died.
Fred is survived by his children Shannon Forster, Shane (Robin) Forster, Tish (John) Schachinger, and Chad (Nancy) Forster; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; brothers Albert (Kathy – deceased) Forster and Joseph (Charlotte) Forster; sister Loreen (Dean) Cather; and his brother-in-law William Staats.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and his sister Elaine Staats.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 18, at 3:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens with Deacon Tim Birie officiating. In honor of Fred’s life, consider buying a plant in his memory or making a donation to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org. Online tributes may be shared at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com.
