Anita Forman

Anita Forman, age 82, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, SD.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Chris Davis will officiate the service and inurnment will be at Dell Rapids Cemetery in Dell Rapids, SD, at a later date. Immediately following the service, all are invited to the church fellowship hall for a time of food, fellowship, and sharing of memories.

Anita Joan (Bogue) Forman was born on July 10, 1940, in Madison, SD, to Lewis and Foresta (Wood) Bogue. She lived in Madison and graduated from Madison High School. She received double bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Music from Dakota State University. She took additional college coursework in music from University of Minnesota and Arizona State University.

Following college, Anita took school teaching positions in Utah and Minnesota. Back in South Dakota, she was hired as a lead singer for a band as a last-minute replacement led by William “Bill” Forman. This musical duo would marry on September 16, 1962. They spent their early years of marriage in Utah and then moved to Roseville, MN. From there, they bought a hobby farm in Forest Lake, MN, and raised horses.

Anita was an extremely talented musician. She played piano and organ and had a wonderful singing voice. She taught private piano lessons until she closed the studio in 1995. She worked as a warehouse manager for Odin from 1986 to 1995. Following Bill’s retirement in 1999, they purchased a home in Milbank, SD.

Anita was an active member of Eastern Star in White Bear Lake, MN. She served as Grand Organist. She was active and past presidents for the Minnesota Music Teachers Association and 4-H Clubs for many years. Anita continued her musical volunteer work as a member of the Melody Kings in Milbank, SD. She also was honored as a volunteer for the Grant County Public Library.

In addition to music, Anita enjoyed quilting. She also was an incredible gardener with canned vegetables still lining shelves. She enjoyed travelling and has had many memorable trip memories with family and friends—especially to Las Vegas. She did love to gamble!

Anita is survived by her two children: Scott (Victoria) Forman; and Lisa (Eric) Miller; five grandchildren: Adam Forman, Brad Forman, Willy Forman, Lewis Sharp, and Jules Sharp; two great-granddaughters; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; and brother, Donald Bogue.