Lillian Irene Forslund

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Lillian Irene Forslund, 95, of E5108 Jackson Road, Ironwood Township, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016, in Ironwood.

The former Lillian Irene Ahonen was born Oct. 9, 1921, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Gustave and Esther (Bentilla) Ahonen. She attended Wakefield and Ironwood schools and graduated high school from Ironwood in 1939. After high school graduation, Lillian took some college courses and then joined the WAVES in 1943. She was assigned to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the U.S. Navy Seabees, organizing the movement of equipment around the world.

After the WAVES, Lillian returned home to work at the Ahonen Sawmill as a bookkeeper. In 1947, she was married to Carl Forslund of Ironwood. Lillian and Carl started the logging and sawmill business, Forslund Lumber Company, in 1950. Their son, Paul, joined the business in 1970 which then transitioned to Forslund Building Supply in 1973. Carl preceded Lillian in death in 2006.

Lillian was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Ironwood and remained active in the church through choir (as a director and member), sunday school, and ladies' guilds. She was also involved in numerous community organizations over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce and Hospital Auxiliary, for which she was a founding member. Lillian was passionate about music; she wrote songs for her family members and sang at many different events.

Lillian was a strong Christian who made her love of the Lord known to those around her. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

In addition to her husband, Carl, Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark Forslund, at birth; a brother-in-law, Clarence Forslund; a sister, Kathleen Birch, and brother-in-law, Donald Birch; a daughter-in-law, Beth Forslund; and a son-in-law, Roger Stenroos.

Lillian is survived by a son, Paul (Candace) Forslund, of Ironwood; and a daughter, Linda Stenroos, of Ashland, Wis. Also surviving are grandchildren, Britt (Spencer) Slade, of Vulcan, Sarah (Matt) Stenroos, of Milwaukee, Gus Forslund, of Ironwood, Mike (Amy) Stenroos, of Superior, Wis., and Kimberly (Curt) Harpster, of Ashland; great-grandchildren, Eli, Bryson, Elsa, Brooklynn, Logan and Carson; a sister, Joyce (Harry) Collins, of Wakefield; sisters-in-law, Vienna Forslund, Nancy Jang, Marion (Jack) Hero and Charlotte (Dick) Koski; and many other dear nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, E5104 Margaret St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Kurt Brandon officiating.

Committal and interment will follow at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township, where full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the church fellowship hall upon return from the cemetery.

Relatives and friends may visit the immediate family from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

A memorial will be established, with contributions going to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Camp Luther, 1889 Koubenec Road, Three Lakes, WI 54562, or New Beginnings, P.O. Box 103, Ironwood, MI 49938.

To view Lillian's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home Inc. of Ironwood.