Forrest Wayne Figland, 95, died on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in Howard, SD at Good Samaritan Society after battling COVID.

Forrest was born at home on the family farm near Artesian, SD on November 10, 1924, to Harvey & Lesta (Cundy) Figland, where he lived until moving to Mitchell during his grade school years.  Forrest graduated from Mitchell High School and began farming.  He married Leola (Fraser) Figland on November 19, 1950.  They continued to farm west of Mitchell and later near Plano, while raising 3 children, until they moved into Mitchell in 1970.  Forrest then worked for Good Housecleaning until the company closed and then went to work as custodian for the First United Methodist Church of Mitchell until he retired at the age of 70.

Forrest was a tinkerer, always taking things apart to see how they worked and putting them back together. He showed his creativity while 'jimmy-rigging' things to fix them or make them work.  He loved to hold the babies during family gatherings and had 'the touch' to put them to sleep.  He lived to fish and hunt and go camping.  He loved to play games, especially when he could 'stretch the rules' in his favor.

After retiring Forrest & Leola enjoyed many camping and fishing trips by themselves, with family or the camping group they belonged to.  They spent several winters enjoying the warmer weather of Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, Leola: daughter, Diane Rassel; son Dick (Peggy) Figland; son David (Wendy) Figland all of Mitchell; sister Ellen (Figland) Hollister of Huron; 9 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; numerous nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents & brother-in-law.