DONALD FORCEY

Donald J. (DJ) Forcey, Jr., age 73, died January 28, 2024 surrounded by his siblings and special friend Sally. He was born on January 2, 1951 in Wausau, Wisconsin to the late Donald, Sr. and Alice Forcey (Johnson).

DJ became a long-time resident of Neenah, WI after moving from Wausau in 1961. He graduated from Neenah High School in 1969 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 1973. After his graduation he joined the Neenah Police Department as a patrol officer on October 1, 1973. He had a passion for helping teenagers and was the first Neenah police officer to be appointed to the position of Police School Liaison Officer on August 15, 1979, launching a successful school-based police program now referred to as a School Resource Officer. DJ went on to assume the role of Chief of Police for Neenah in 1986, becoming the first to assume that position by rising through the ranks. He continued to promote the concept of community-based policing throughout his career until his retirement in 2004.

DJ grew up in a household that always appreciated music. Recognizing that he was more interested in playing football and basketball than playing the piano, his mother purchased a player piano where DJ and his family enjoyed years of “playing” and singing to every piano roll he could find. It wasn't until later in life that he learned to play the keyboard and compose music with the help of his friend Sally Orm. He enjoyed entertaining his fellow residents at Oak Park Place Assisted Living with his music.

DJ is survived by his sisters: Barbara (Russ) Andrews and Mary Jo (Tom) Crist: and his brothers: Steven (Becky) Forcey, Matthew (Heidi) Forcey, and John (Dawn) Forcey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, DJ was preceded in death by his younger brother, Tom and nephew, Steven Andrews, and Steven's wife, Michelle Andrews.

We would like to thank Kari and all the staff at Oak Park Place for their thoughtful care and dedication.

A visitation will take place on March 8, 2024 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Neenah Police Benevolent Association has been created.  Donations can be made directly to the Neenah Police Benevolent Association and sent to the Neenah Police Department, 2111 Marathon Ave, Neenah, WI 54956.