1942-2026
Forrest Paul Schnobrich, 83, affectionately known as “Brick” to his friends and family, passed away on Feb. 5, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom and passion. Born on Nov. 22, 1942, in the small town of Avery to Everall and Winona (Gailey) Schnobrich, Forrest was raised in the nurturing community of Casey, where he developed a lifelong love for sports and education.
Forrest’s journey through life was marked by his devotion to his family. He was united in marriage to Carolyn Smith on Aug. 6, 1966, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Amy and Tracy. His family later grew to include wife, Carol Ann, whom he married on July 21, 1992. Carol Ann brought two stepchildren, Brett and Bryan Cushman, who respected and thought highly of Forrest, into the fold, and together they enjoyed a life filled with joy and companionship. Forrest was a devoted grandfather to Bryce, Brock, Lauryn, Becca, Tate and Trey. You could find Forrest in attendance at their various activities throughout the years. They will fondly remember the stories he shared and the love he had for them.
Forrest’s educational pursuits were a testament to his love for learning and athleticism. He graduated from Adair-Casey High School in 1961, where he excelled in all four sports, with a particular passion for basketball. His academic talents took him to Northwest Missouri State University, where he joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and further honed his leadership skills.
After college, Forrest embarked on a career in education, teaching and coaching at Atlantic High School from 1965 to 1967. His life took a turn when he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War in 1968. He served his country with pride and was honorably discharged in 1970 as an E-4. Forrest continued his teaching and coaching career in North English and West Union until 1973, when he returned home to become an insurance agent for Mertes Insurance in Adair and eventually becoming owner of the Insurance Store Ltd. His dedication to his clients was unwavering, and he continued to serve them until his passing. Forrest’s entrepreneurial ventures also led him to own Scooters and Brick’s Cafe in West Des Moines and Grimes for a time.
Forrest’s commitment to his community was evident through his membership at the Casey United Methodist Church and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of which he was a founding member, and these churches provided him with hope and inspiration. His active involvement in various organizations such as the Adair Lions Club, Adair Chamber, VFW, American Legion, Casey Service Club, and the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa, where he served as past president, showcased his dedication to service. He was particularly proud of his work with the Guthrie County Hospital Board and Foundation, the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge, and his contributions to the Guthrie County Youth Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Central-Southwest Iowa. He was also a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and a Shriner.
Forrest “Brick” Schnobrich will be remembered not only for his professional achievements and community involvement but more so for the warmth and wisdom he brought into the lives of those around him. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide his family, friends and community for generations to come.
Preceded in death by his parents, Everall and Winona Schnobrich, and his beloved in-laws, Byrle and Deloris Spillers, along with his brother-in-law James Kirkpatrick.
Left behind to remember Forrest are his wife, Carol Ann, his daughters Amy (Bill) Littler, Tracy (Kelly) Troster, stepsons Brett (Dee Welch) Cushman and Bryan Cushman, grandchildren Bryce (Chelsea) Littler, Brock (Cloe Hoyt) Littler, Lauryn Troster, Becca Littler, Tate Troster and Trey Troster, sisters-in-law Tana Kirkpatrick and Sheila (Mark) Edwards. Also left behind are all the friends and colleagues he had made through the years. Forrest’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His loving, wise and passionate nature touched the lives of many, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
Visitation with viewing will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at the Casey United Methodist Church in Casey. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, also at the Casey United Methodist Church.
Interment with cremains will immediately follow the service at Dalmanutha Cemetery, rural Casey, where full military honors will be accorded. There will be a luncheon at the Casey Community Building following interment.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Forrest Schnobrich Memorial Fund. Memorials will be designated to organizations that were meaningful to Forrest during his lifetime. Contributions may be sent in care of Johnson Family Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 246, Stuart, Iowa 50250.