Michael Aspinwal Forsberg, age 67, of 155 So. 29th St. lot 96, Gladstone, MI, passed away Wednesday October 12, 2005 at 7:45 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, with his loving family by his side. He fought courageously with cancer for 15 years. A man of undying faith and courage; he was gifted with a spirit of determination.
He was born November 13, 1937 in Ishpeming, MI and was the son of Werner and Mary (Aspinwal) Forsberg. He was raised in Ishpeming. After graduation from Ishpeming High School in 1957, he then graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 1963 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1969.
Michael married the former Carol LaFeir on March 8, 1958 in Negaunee, MI. He taught at Ewen, Negaunee St. Paul, Powers-Spaulding and retired from Gladstone High School in 1992. He was a high school varsity coach in five sports over a 26 year span, in baseball, basketball, football, track, and cross country. He made his mark in basketball. He won 230 games in 17 varsity seasons, coaching at Negaunee St. Paul (1966-67), Powers North Central (1967-78) and Gladstone (1978-83). In 11 seasons at North Central, the Jets won five conference titles, six Class D district titles and a regional crown in 1978. The Jets were the U.P. Class D Team of the Year in 1977 and 1978. He also instituted elementary basketball programs at Ewen and North Central. He was a high school baseball coach at Ewen (1963-66) and Negaunee St. Paul (1966-67) and coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Ewen and Ishpeming. He spent four years as a football coach at North Central and had an unbeaten season in 1967. He coached boys and girls track at North Central-restarting a dormant program in 1970 and winning the Wolverine Conference and Class D regional title in 1972. He was girls
Anonymous
Dear Forsberg Family:
It was with sincere regret that I learned of the death of Michael. He was a valued member of our NMU family and will be missed.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. May it comfort you to know that our thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Leslie E. Wong
NMU President
The Forsberg family,
I am truly sorry for the great loss of coach/teacher Mr. Forsberg. He coached me in football and taught me in class and he will be deeply missed.
Bruce Camps
Jacksonville, FL
To the family of Coach Forsberg,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Played Frosh Football (79) and Varsity Basketball (82-83) for Coach Forsberg. He was a great motivator and taught many important life lessons. His greatest lesson was to never give up and keep pressing. Coach will be missed but not forgotten.
Jerry Chuman
Frisco, TX
Mrs. Forsberg, Mark, and the Forsberg family,
Sincere condolences to you for your loss.
Coach Forsberg was a very important man in my life. He was a mentor, teacher, and inspiration to me. When I hear the word coach, I think of him. His passion for the game of basketball helped to shape my life and point me in the direction life would take me. Now, every time I step on the court to coach my own son, I think of him and how he taught me. Though I had not seen him in years, I will miss him every day. The world is a much better place because of Coach Forsberg.
Rest in peace, Coach.
Brian Peterson
Valley Village, CA
Mrs Foresberg, Mark and family,
I’m truly sorry for the loss of Coach Forsberg. He was a great man and left a legacy for others to emulate. I have a lot of fond memories from my high school days and Coach Forsberg is in a great number of them; both on and off the court/field. He was a very personable man and will be sorely missed. You re in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Respectfully
Jerry (Bub) McKnight
O’Fallon, IL
To the family of coach Forsberg,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Forsberg’s passing. He was a kind, caring and dedicated coach, teacher and man. I read the obituary in the paper and the words courage and determination were used to describe him and this was so true.
Sorry that I will be unable to make the sevices. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy Wiltzius
Kingsford, MI
Mr. Forsberg was my varsity basketball coach my junior year, 1978-79 at GHS. This was coach Forsbergs first year as varsity basketball coach as well. Our first practice (tryout)I was injured by a fellow player when he tried to steal the ball and jammed his fingernail in my right thigh. The scar that was aquired is still visible today and I hope that it never fades away as I’m sure the memory of coach Forsberg kindness and determination to make me a better ball player and person will never fade.
Jack M. Olson
Gladstone, MI
Carol,
Judy and I want to send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are proud to have known Mike and I consider him one of the nicest individuals I have known.
God Bless
Don and Judy Trost
Marquette, MI
I spent two seasons with mr forsberg as our coach in 1982 and 1983. I will always remember him as a guy who was good hearted and one who liked teaching and coaching. He was always positive and motivating. He truely was a good man and will be missed (but not forgotten)
Scott Boddy
Iron Mountain, MI
Mike was a great coach. I will alawys remember his spirit. Mike was a very special man. He inspired us to always do our best and succeed. He encouraged all of us to do our best. In sports/school. He will be missed but never forgotten. I am happy that he was part of my life in hight school. Thanks Mike for helping us all grow to be better human beings. We are all winners Go coach!!!!!!!
Tami Grondine Rawlins – North Central 1977
Murrieta, CA
To the family of Michael Forsberg:
I have known Mike as a fellow golfer for about 20 years. We had many good times on Tuesdays at the Highland and I will never forget him! He was instrumental in teaching correct putting styles. Mike enjoyed singing with me in the golf cart on occasion and we shared our interest in music with each other. Mike showed real Christian character when it came to his suffering and ordeal with cancer…his example to others was inspiring. Lois and I extend our deepest sympathy to his family during this time of mourning. There is so much to Mike’s life that is worthy of celebration and I am proud to have known him these past years.
David Nordin
Escanaba, MI
Mike was always a great friend. He loved hunting and sports. I will always cherish the times I spent with him. I bowled with Mike several different years and I worked for him and his wonderful wife Carol on many occasions. It was always a pleasure being around them. Mike will be sincerely missed but I’m sure that God has a special place for him in Heaven. I hope to see him again someday. I offer my prayers and my sincere condolences to his family. His family really stuck together. God-Bless you all.
A friend
Harlond & Julie Foster
Gladstone, MI
To Uncle Mike—
A fine man and loving Uncle. We willl miss you dearly! We will always remember the special wish you gave us the last time we were together.
Love,
Barbara and Craig Schneider
Fruitland Park, FL
Mike,
You have always been a good friend. I’m sorry that we drifted in that friendship over the past years. Always know that you are in my prayers.
Rest with God’s peace Brother-in-law, coach and Uncle.
Butch LaJoie
Negaunee, MI
Mr. Forsberg has always been a true teacher, coach, mentor and friend to Mark & me. We are truly sorry about his illness and death. Please accept our heart-felt condolences.
Barb Veeser
Powers, MI