Ione Grace (Simpson) FORSTROM

FORSTROM, SIMPSON, HEATH, ANDERSON, SORUM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/7/2008 at 14:10:54

August 6, 2008
Post Bulletin, Rochester, Minnesota

Ione Grace Forstrom passed away on August 1, 2008, at Freedom Pointe Home, Minnetonka, MN, at age 91 years. A longtime resident of Lanesboro, MN, she had lived at Freedom Pointe since 2006, having been in declining health. Ione was born near Renwick, Iowa, on April 25, 1917. She was the seventh of nine children born to Edward A. and Lucy M. Simpson. The family moved to a farm near Sherburn, MN, in about 1926, where Ione attended Sherburn High School. She was married to Elmer L. Forstrom on November 24, 1935. The couple and their 3 children lived in Martin County until the spring of 1952, when they resettled on a farm near Lanesboro. Here, Ione and Elmer developed a successful business in breeding stock of Charolais cattle. Together, they achieved numerous awards in shows throughout the Midwest. Ione also worked as a representative of the Avon Company for many years, achieving recognition in the company's President's Club. Her sales work acquainted and endeared her with members of the Lanesboro community. Ione enjoyed other community activities as well. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School and working with several church groups. Along with Elmer, she worked for several years in supervising 4-H exhibits at the Fillmore County Fair in Preston, MN.

Ione and Elmer enjoyed travel and took many trips throughout the United States, as well as a tour of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in 1985. A highlight of this tour was a visit at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, where their son had been a student. Ione also enjoyed reading, coffee, and playing cards with friends. She was renowned among family and friends for her cooking and baking. Aromas of freshly baked bread, pies, cinnamon and caramel rolls frequently greeted visitors at her home. An avid gardener, aromas of freshly preserved fruit and vegetables were also common in her kitchen. She was steadfast in working to enrich the lives of her family and others in her community. She especially loved children, devoting herself to their welfare and nurture. Raised during the dust-bowl years in rural Minnesota, she embraced life and every responsibility with love and tenacious practicality, a testament to the character of her generation. Ione will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.

Ione is survived by her three children: Dr. Lee (Nancy) Forstrom of Mound, MN; Mrs. Patricia (Thomas) Heath of Lanesboro, MN; and Mrs. Sharon (Neil) Anderson of St. Louis Park, MN; as well as 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, and her brother, Rueben, of New York Mills, MN. Ione was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Elmer, 4 brothers, 3 sisters, and a grandson, Steven Sorum.

Visitation will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, MN, on August 9, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 5:30 p.m. with the Reverend Kerry Eversole officiating. Interment will be at the Lanesboro Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lanesboro, MN, Organ Fund. Johnson-Riley Funeral Home of Lanesboro.