Raymond John Forthofer

Raymond John Forthofer, 90, of Greenfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2026, at Woodland Terrace of New Palestine, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 29, 1936, in Batesville, Indiana, to John Anthony Forthofer and Lydia (Marticke) Forthofer.

Ray graduated from Batesville High School with the class of 1954, and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 as an aircraft electrician. He spent 46 years as a toolmaker for Chrysler, retiring in 2001 after a long and dedicated career.

On June 23, 1962, Ray married his beloved wife, Virginia Merkel. Together, they shared over 64 years of love.

Ray showed his love through acts of service to others and to his community. As a young man, he volunteered as a firefighter and EMT in Wanamaker, Indiana. He was a volunteer for Nativity Parish in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he worked as a groundskeeper, and helped with maintenance. He was also a member of the Knights of St. John. Ray had a passion for softball, where he loved to spend his time out on the ball field, serving as Umpire-in-Chief for Metro Indianapolis, as an Amateur Softball Association Rules Interpreter, as well as an umpire for high school and college softball. He was a longtime member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Greenfield, Indiana, where he served as an usher.

Ray could often be seen on his John Deere lawn mower, or tinkering around in his garage, but above all, he loved spending time with his family. Some of the most treasured memories of him were the times you could find him cheering on his grandchildren at their various sporting events, as well as sitting down to play with Legos and Matchbox cars as a “captive audience” with his great-grandchildren. He also had a passion for researching and learning about the world on “The iPad”. Ray will be remembered for his generosity, dedication, and love for his family, friends, and his community.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ginny; his children, Linda and her husband, Dr. John Joven, Teresa and her husband, Sean Curry, and Anthony Forthofer and his wife, Leigh Anne; his 9 grandchildren, Amanda (Robert) Bernardi, Emily (Kevin) Eibner, Ryan Curry, Samuel (Ashley) Forthofer, Benjamin Forthofer, and Olivia, Christopher, Daniel, and Michael Joven; his 7 great-grandchildren, Allie, Eli, Cora, Isaac, Izzy, Ian, and Isaiah; and his two siblings, Sr. Ruth Mary Forthofer and Carolyn Billman.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Edward Forthofer and Ann Duerstock; as well as his cousin, Margaret LaFollette.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Pasco Chapel, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140, with Recitation of the Rosary to begin at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 519 Jefferson Boulevard, Greenfield, Indiana 46140, with Reverend Aaron Jenkins to officiate. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.stillingerfamily.com.