Ione Grace (Simpson) FORSTROM

FORSTROM, SIMPSON, HEATH, ANDERSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/22/2012 at 19:33:41

April 25, 1917 --- August 1, 2008

Ione Grace Forstrom, 91, a long-time resident of Lanesboro, Minn, died on August 1, 2008, at Freedom Pointe Home, Minnetonka, Minn, where she had lived since 2006.

Ione was born near Renwick, Iowa, on April 25, 1917, the daughter of Edward A. and Lucy M. Simpson. The family moved to a farm near Sherburn, Minn., in about 1926, where Ione attended Sherburn High School. She married Elmer L. Forstrom on November 24, 1935. They 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 and 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. Ione 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. 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. Ione also enjoyed reading, playing cards, baking, cooking and gardening.

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

Services were held August 9, 2008 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, with the Reverend Kerry Eversole officiating. Interment was at the Lanesboro Cemetery. Johnson-Riley Funeral Home of Lanesboro was in charge of arrangements.

Fillmore County Journal - Preston, Minnesota
August 8, 2008