Phillip Bryce Fornoff died Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at the age of 87. He was born April 9, 1933, at Palisade, NE, to Delbert and Ilah (Sloan) Fornoff.
Phillip attended country school at Lookout District #23, northwest of Hayes Center, NE. Then he attended District #4 in Hayes Center, NE, and graduated from Hayes County High School in 1950. He attended McCook Junior College in McCook, NE. In 1952, Phillip enlisted in the United State Coast Guard. He went through basic training at Alameda, CA, and then he was stationed aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Persus, San Pedro, CA. Later, he was stationed at Ballast Point Lighthouse, San Diego, CA.
Phillip married the love of his life Marilyn Anderjaska on June 16, 1953, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, southeast of Hayes Center, NE. They lived in San Diego, CA, until he received his Honorable Discharge in 1954. They returned to Hayes Center, NE, where he began farming two miles west on the E.L. West farm. They raised six children. The family moved into Hayes Center in 1971. Phillip continued to farm and ranch until 1995. After his retirement, he worked for Human Oil Company as a relief pumper.
Phillip served on many boards and committees. He served on the FHA Board of Directors and Hayes Center School Board. He served for 12 years on the Village Board and was Mayor for six of those years. He served on West Central Development District Board and was Board President. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and served as Trustee and Lector for many years. He served on the Hayes County Fair Board, was a 4-H Leader, and was a member of American Legion Post #287 for 67 years, serving as Commander and Treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the McCook Elks #1434.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Fauneil Glee and Omalea McCormick.
Phillip is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of 67 years; three sons and three daughters: Christopher (Leta) Fornoff of Fremont, NE, Kevin (Ann) Fornoff of Hayes Center, NE, Cynthia (Kirt) Ross of Culbertson,NE, Kimberly (Bill) Mruz of Fremont, NE, Laurie (Larry) Goforth of Morro Bay, CA, and Brad (Betsy) Fornoff of Papillion, NE. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Leslie (JJ) Goforth Yarlot; Nolan (Kynzie) Ross; Lauren (Roy) Fornoff Schroeder; Kayla (Clint) Ross Schafer; Hillery Mruz; Linden (Mitch) Fornoff; Alexa (Tim) Fornoff Wahl; Seth (Morgan) Mruz; Brock Goforth; Kyle (Morgan) Fornoff; Chantel (Justin) Fornoff Saufley; Jordan (Julie) Mruz; Amanda (Bryce) Fornoff Buhr; Marcheta (Abir) Fornoff; Andrew Fornoff. He was also blessed with 26 great grandchildren: Carter and Hudson Yarlott; Oaklyn Ross; Starlyn and Bridger Cox; Caroline and Thomas Schroeder; Miley, Kenley, and Landen Schafer; Orson and Rosemary Wahl; Kellyn and Moxin Mruz; Bryce and Emma Fornoff; Bria, Preston, Cameron, Bodhi, and Tripp Saufley; Jackson, Theodore, and Sophie Mruz; Barrett and Cameron Buhr.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 P.M. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE. The family will be present to greet friends from 4:00-6:00 P.M.
A rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M., Friday evening, March 19, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday morning, March 20, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in McCook, NE with Father Gary Brethour Celebrating. Interment will Full Military Honors will follow services in the Hayes Center Cemetery, Hayes Center, Nebraska.
Memorials are suggested to the Family of Phillip Fornoff for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, NE is entrusted with arrangements.