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Forrest “Frosty” Mades turns 90 years old today (Monday).

Mades has spent much of his life in Tomah, where he remains active and involved in civic affairs. But nearly 64 years ago on a beach in Normandy, Mades never pictured seeing his 90th birthday.

“I never planned on reaching this age,” Mades said. “After surviving World War II, I figured everything else was a bonus.”

Mades served five active, and 23 inactive, years of duty in the Navy Reserves, and during World War II, he landed on Omaha Beach during the D-day invasion of Normandy. He also saw action in Africa, Italy and Sicily before stationing in England to prepare for an invasion of Japan. Mades’ unit reached the island of Guam on Aug. 6, 1945, the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

“We had plans for an invasion of Japan, and we were told to expect 50 percent casualties, and I figured I had already used up all my luck,” Mades said. “People ask if I think we should have used the atomic bomb, and I figure I probably wouldn’t be here if we didn’t.”

Not long after the end of the war, Mades moved to Tomah. He is originally from Illinois, and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in physical education in 1940. He came to Tomah to take a job at the VA Hospital, where he worked administratively, primarily with the chief medical officer, until 1976.

It was after moving to Tomah that Mades met his wife, Joyce. She was a native of Tomah, and operated a dress shop before closing it and turning it into a museum in 1993. She accompanied Mades to Normandy in 1984 for the 40th anniversary of the invasion, and again in 1994. Joyce passed away in 2002, but Mades returned to Normany again in 2004, this time with friend Bob Keene.

“We had a great time over there,” Mades said of his return trip to Normany with Keene. “I’m sure Bob (Keene) won’t forget that trip.”

From refereeing football and basketball games to being one of the founders of the Hiawatha Golf Club, Mades has been involved in the community throughout much of his life.

“The worst thing I could do is sit around the house,” Mades said. “If I did I would probably die of boredom.”

Mades continues to stay busy, serving on the City of Tomah Community Development Commission and Public Housing Authority committees. He also serves on the Fort McCoy Retiree Council, the Oak Grove Cemetery Board and the Crime Stoppers Committee. He is also a member of the Shriners, and while he says none of his involvements particularity stick out from the rest, Mades does have a special place in his heart for the Shriners Hospital.

“I really like the work of the Shriners Hospitals, because we will take any kid, regardless of race, religion or creed and provide free medical care,” Mades said. “It is very satisfying to help the kids.”

Several members of Mades’ family will be in town for his birthday, which Mades is looking forward to. As for turning 90, it’s no big deal for Mades.

“I think other people are more excited about it than I am,” Mades said. “Reaching 100 used to be unheard of, but that’s not the case anymore.”