October 23, 1952 ~ July 18, 2018
Dean ended his yearlong brain cancer journey leaving beloved wife Jane; daughter Joey (Kent) Patterson: son Austin (Anessa) Forney; granddaughter Ally Jane Patterson; granddogs Cash and Penny; brothers Bruce (Beth) Forney; Glen (Nancy) Forney; Kent (Shelley) Forney: sister Joann Lee; 12 nephews and nieces; and many, many friends. Preceded in death by parents Don & Olive Forney; pets Flannel, Sassafras, and Max.
Attorney, master litigator, Winnebago Tribal Judge, cowboy, hunter, fisherman, and champion story teller. Graduate of the University of Nebraska and Creighton School of Law. Sigma Chi. Proud member of the Nebraska Bar Association, Rotary, Masons, and Ducks Unlimited.
Loved his family, Forney Ranch, medium rare steak, Nebraska football, scotch and Marilyn Monroe.
Celebration of life: Wednesday, July 25, 10am, Roeder Mortuary, Gretna, Nebraska
Graveside Burial Service: Saturday, July 28, 7pm, Rushville Cemetery, Rushville, Nebraska
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for further designation.
So very sorry for your loss. Dean was one of my favorite people in law school and afterwards. He will be greatly missed.
Jane, Joey and Austin: I just learned of Dean’s long illness and death. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have never stopped thinking of what a great boss Dean was to me. Still the best job I have ever had.
To all of you who left such moving comments, fun memories and condolences. Thank you.
Jane, Joey, Austin, and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Dean’s passing. We had many good, fun, harrowing times together. Took a road trip to a Bar meeting and then Nebraska vs. Auburn, a trip I’ll never forget. I once met an attorney in Kearney who said he met this character of a lawyer from Alliance who reminded him of John Wayne. I said, “That has to be Forney.” I was right. RIP Dean. You made my life in Alliance more full and entertaining than I could have ever imagined.
Thank you Mike – he got a kick out of you too !
So sorry to learn of Dean’s death. I taught and coached Dean in Alliance years ago. Always enjoyed his sense of humor. My condilesences to his family during this difficult time. May you each be blessed.
I am shocked and saddened by this news. Dean was a charmer, quicker thinker than anyone in the courtroom , and always gregarious. My thoughts are with Jane, Joey, Austin and the whole family. We will all miss Dean’s entertaining stories – some of which were actually true. I still quote Deanisms. What a ride.
Fritz – thank you. He totally enjoyed your friendship.
The first time i met Dean was at the annual branding at the ranch. I knew the minute i met him it was going to be an eventful weekend. We drank a little drink, sang some songs and laughed a lot. I’ll never forget when i had to dismount to go to the bathroom and dean pulled up in the jeep and asked if he should hold my horse. I said naw, ole black will ground tie with the best of them. Well needless to say, ole black finally stopped running long enough for me to catch him but the laughs ran all night long. It was my pleasure to be able to know you Dean.
Prayers to the Forney family
Mitch
I love this story. Keep it close to your heart.
It was August, 1975 and Julie and I just moved to Omaha to attend Creighton Law School. We’d moved into a ‘Garden Apt” off 72nd street and we’d boost our Elkhound, Pepper, out the window at ground level and put her on a leash. Dean lived on the 3rd floor of the building across the lawn. Next thing I knew there was a knock on the door and Dean introduces himself and offers up a Tbone steak remnant for Pepper. We then find out we’ll both be in the Class of 1978. He told me he was a rancher’s son and there’d be more steak for the dog in the future. Pepper ate better than we did all Freshman Year. Dean had boundless enthusiasm and a zest for life. The Sandhills are a sadder place without Dean. Best to his family so sorry for your loss
That was Dean to a “T”…or should I say T-bone! Great story. Thank you.
Remembering Dean’s quick wit. RIp
Thinking of the Forney Family, Remembering Dean from “years ago” / neighbor on the ranch, cowboy hat, boots and a big story to tell. His big personality will not be forgotten and Im sure my brother ” Bob” and Dean are sharing a few good stories and laughter now.
Sending thoughts and prayers to all the Forney family.
Cousin by marriage – Gary Ballensky, deceased April 9,1995. Jane and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Great memories of the Forney Ranch visits with Deans folks and Grandma Jo. Continued thoughts and prayers will be sent your way.
It has been way more than a few years since old Dean and I endured law school together, but I have no trouble at all conjuring up a picture of him telling a great story or making a wry observation, accompanied by that mischievous twinkle in the eye. I know how much and how long he loved Jane, and I have no doubt he was a great Dad and Grandpa, so my sympathies go out to all of you.
I am thinking of you with love and prayers and remembering the good times at the Ranch. I am sorry I’ll miss Dean’s memorial service in Rushville.
Jane and family. So very sorry to hear about Dean. He was a great guy with a great personality. He will be remembered always. Our Prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
From my memories, Dean was ALWAYS there for family and friends. I remember the first time I saw that classic Western picture of you two, and thinking ‘perfect couple’. No… SERIOUSLY!!! When you’re blessed to find your soulmate, like you guys did, then NOTHING can separate you. I can see him now, looking out for all of you during this challenging time. Sending love and prayers.
So very sorry for your loss. He was always so friendly to me. A very nice man. Peace to you all.
So many happy memories when we were growing up together in the Sandhills of Nebraska at the Forney Ranch. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP Dean. Love ❤️ to all.
Dean was a great man to have known. He was an especially sklled story teller. He will be remembered forever by many people!
Dean was a great man to have known.. We especially enjoyed his ability to spin a great tale! He was a good man and will be remembered by many for all of their lives.
John and Marta Hartman
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to,hear about your loss ,prayers to the family
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and brother.
Jane,
So sorry to hear about Deano. Had no idea he was ill. Prayers to you and the family.
sjmiles
Thank you Steve – you and he did have some fun ! Remember him.
Thinking of the Forney family! Dean was a special man. Hearts are with you all!
Remembering lots of laughter and big stories. Golden memories of our times together. And you are right Jane. There is never enough time. His big personality will be missed but also welcomed by others on the other side.
Forney family, our hearts are hurting with you. Dean was a special guy and we remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. ❤ Gordy & Nanci Kyhn
Forney family, our hearts are hurting with you. Dean was a special guy and we remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. ❤ Gordy & Nanci Kyhn
Jane and Family, i am so sad to read about Deans passing. Always enjoyed my conversations with him while cutting his hair. Keeping you all in thoughts and prayers.
My prayers and hugs to you all, Joey. I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻💜
So Sorry for your loss Joey and family! Thoughts and prayers for you all!