Gail A. Forsberg

Born October 8, 1929, in Virginia, Minnesota, the daughter of Rudolph and Irene (Hinderson) Berglund, Gail was raised in Duluth, Minnesota where she graduated from Denfeld High School, Class of 1947. She married David Forsberg in Duluth and, when David joined the Michigan State Police, the couple resided at his various duty assignments, including Gladstone, Grand Haven, L’Anse, and finally Marquette. In 1967, Gail began a long career in the floral industry, beginning with employment for Dick Lutey at Lutey’s Flower Shop. She was especially admired for her strong work ethic and ability to connect with customers. In 1971, Gail made a major step in her career by establishing Forsberg Flowers. With her determination, and assistance from family and close friends, the business grew. In 1974, land was purchased and a new facility built. In 2015, the business relocated to Downtown Marquette. In many ways, Gail was an inspiration and paved the way for others desiring to start their own businesses. At the time, she was among the first women to own and operate her own business, was the first woman to serve on the Marquette Chamber of Commerce Board, as well as the Marquette Transit Authority. She was the charter president for Zonta and was instrumental in establishing the Business and Professional Women’s organization (BPW), and founding president of PROBUS which is sponsored by Rotary International. In addition to her civic involvements, she was also active with masonic affiliations. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Grand Haven Chapter and Marquette Chapter where she was a Past Worthy Matron. She also belonged to the Daughters of the Nile Temple in Marquette and White Shrine, Iron Mountain. Gail was a longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church and a member of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Floral Association. In her leisure, she enjoyed nothing better than spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies and special interests extended to painting in oil and watercolor mediums as well as an interest in monarch butterflies, following their migration patterns and educating people about them. Her painting talents developed and expanded over the years to the extent she enrolled in painting classes, learned a variety of techniques, and even gave lessons and sponsored retreats at her cottage in Stonington for aspiring painters. Whether it was with family, a work situation, or teaching others, Gail was a fair, hard working, determined, and sometimes stubborn and demanding individual. Often combined with her wit and good humor, she was an inspiration and friend to many and will be missed.

Gail is survived by her children, Lou Ann Joy (Richard) Balding, Stephen David Forsberg both of Marquette, and Mark Hinderson (Pamela) Forsberg of Harvey; her grandchildren, Brian James (Liz) Balding, David Carl (Renee) Balding, Sarah Chrysann (fiance, Ryan Engle) Balding, Kristin Mae (Kurtis) Williams, and Rudy James Forsberg; great-grandchildren, Madison, Iris, Jude, Eleanor, and Abigail Balding, Marah and Avery Eskelinen, Kennedy Williams, and Hailee Engle; her sister-in-law, Kay Berglund of Tucson, AZ; her brother-in-law, Carl Forsberg of Warren, IN; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Gail was preceded in death by her brother, Byron Berglund; sister-in-law, Evelyn Forsberg; and former husband, David Forsberg.

The family will receive friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Thursday, January 2, beginning at 4:00 pm. There will be Daughters of the Nile and Order of Eastern Star rituals at 5:45 pm. A service will follow at 6:00 pm with Rev. Molly Eversoll officiating. A dessert reception will follow.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.