Thief River Falls – Arlyne Mae Forsberg passed away on March 5, 2023 at the age of 94.
She was born November 25, 1928 and raised in Thief River Falls.
She was in preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Ida Robinson (Klungness), and her brother Jack (Barbara) Robinson.
She attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1946.
She had many aunts, uncles, cousins and life long friends.
Was united in marriage June 27, 1947 to Arthur (Manny) Forsberg Jr.
She was a wife, homemaker and mother to five children Paula (Gregg) Schrage, Glen Ellyn II, David (Becky) Forsberg, Thief River Falls, Marcy (Gary) LaValley, Barnes, Wisconsin, Diane (Bob) Enge, Minneapolis, Karen (Dan) Pahl, Lake City.
In 1971, the sudden death of her husband changed her future.
With true grit and determination she forged a new path. She attended Northland Jr. College in Thief River Falls and on to UND school of business in Grand Forks. In 1981, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration. She then went on to her career as a director for the MN Family Resiliency Partnership – federally known as Displaced Homemaker Program.
For women and men who have spent much or all their work life caring for family and home, returning to the workplace or entering it for the first time, can be a difficult transition. She helped individuals develop and obtain marketable skills to maintain and sustain employment. She worked both in Thief River Falls and Brainerd.
She was so grateful for her mother and all she did for her and us kids.
She adored her 12 grandchildren, Chad, Kelly Jo (deceased 2001) Meloni, Eric, Lynsey, Kristy, Brian, Trevor, Kyle, Brant, Katherine and Danica.
And the addition of 19 great-grand children and most recently, 4 great-great grandchildren.
Through most of her years she created a plethora of sewing projects including special occasion clothing, costumes for many activities, Christmas pajamas, doll clothes, church banners and home decor items. These projects were usually completed in her “Night owl” style. She loved inspiring shopping trips to fabric stores and finding a good bargain.
She was an avid reader and would not hesitate to stand up for injustice, and those less fortunate.
She taught us to not take things for granted.
She appreciated the beauty of nature, music, museums, figure skating, theater and travel. She loved all animals, birds, shades of green and chocolate!
Retiring in 1994 she moved to St. Paul and enjoyed “City living” and being near to her family.
She was a member of Minnehaha United Methodist Church in Minneapolis.
She loved her family and all of life’s special events that brought us together. Especially the lake family reunions (hosted by Marcy & Gary) off the charts fun!
A Celebration of Life memorial service for our beautiful mother will be held Wednesday June 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Services, 420 LaBree Avenue North, Thief River Falls.
Memorials suggested to the Animal Humane Society or donor’s choice.
Internment is at Greenwood cemetery.
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